PSIII-1 Are There Attitudinal Age Differences for Mexican Swine Caretakers Toward Euthanasia?. (12th April 2022) - Yarian, Jacob
Abstract: Hispanic and Latino workers represent a growing sector of the swine industry, yet their attitudes euthanasia remain unclear. The objective was to investigate how Mexican TN visa caretaker age affects their euthanasia attitudes. Forty caretakers from a single swine company were enrolled and allocated to 1 of 2 treatments; ≤30 yr (n = 20) and >30 yr (n = 20). All completed a 47-question online survey in Spanish. Demographic questions included age, sex, highest educational degree earned, and euthanasia experience. Non-demographic questions were ranked on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). Questions were categorized into 4 groups (a) confidence defined as knowing a pig is unlikely to recover, and can identify what is wrong (b) knowledge defined as having the skills to care for a ill or injured pig before euthanasia, and knowing how to complete euthanasia (c) decision defined as their thought process that results in a timely euthanasia treatment option and, (d) comfort defined as their feelings towards conducting euthanasia and how they cope afterwards. Furthermore, questions were delineated into adult pig and piglet. A total of 25 male (63%) and 15 female (38%) caretakers completed the survey, 99% had higher education, with 55% never euthanizing an animal prior to working with pigs. Median caretaker responses indicated that they were confident (≤30 yr 4.1 pig/4.0 piglet; >30 yr 4.0 pig/piglet), had knowledge (≤30 yr 3.0 pig and piglet; >30 yr 3.0 pig and piglet), could make timely euthanasia decisions (3.33 for both ages and pig types) and were comfortable performing and coping with euthanasia (≤30 3.08 and >30 3.17 pig; ≤30 3.10 and >30 3.20 piglet). In conclusion, for Mexican TN visa holders, age does not affect their attitude towards euthanasia, which was positive. This is encouraging because their actions will support swine welfare.