'RESETing' farmers mindset: Behavioural change model could influence farmers to reduce antibiotic use

The model is hoped will 'RESET' farmers’ mindset on antibiotic use
The model is hoped will 'RESET' farmers’ mindset on antibiotic use

Scientists have explained how a behavioural change model called RESET Mindset can positively influence dairy farmers and veterinarians to reduce their antibiotic use in animal husbandry.

The researchers, from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, suggest changing this groups ingrained beliefs and behaviours could be more successful in the long term than offering alternatives to antibiotics.

In 2008, Dutch politicians demanded a decrease in total antibiotic use in animal husbandry to prevent antibiotic resistance in humans and animals.

Within six years, from 2009-2015, the dairy sector almost halved their use of antibiotics, and reduced the use of critically important antibiotics to very low levels, in part due to the use of the RESET Mindset Model (RESET works on the following: Rules and regulations; Education and information; Social pressure; Economics and Tools).

Activities applied using RESET

Activities that were applied using the RESET Mindset Model included pairing each farmer with a cattle veterinarian so that together they could work on herd health and treatment plans that might help reduce antibiotic use.

Information and guidelines were made readily available and delivered through a variety of platforms, including farmer journals, courses, meetings and lectures.

Farmers were also given access to discussions on preventive approaches, public responsibility towards human health and the threat of sanctions upon failing to commit to reducing antibiotic use.

The government and researchers positively motivated the dairy farmers using a range of stimuli to reach and engage all individuals and character types.

They offered effective and achievable solutions, helped farmers to plan for success and facilitated cooperation with the most important stakeholders in the dairy chain.

Scientists say that antibiotic usage in dairy cattle in the Netherlands decreased significantly by intense cooperation between the most important stakeholders in the dairy chain, with farmers taking communication seriously and applying the RESET Mindset Model.