Researchers are recruiting for a study into how BSE has affected farm families.
The study into the social and health impacts of BSE will include seven provinces and researchers from several Canadian universities.
Ryan Brook of the University of Calgary’s faculties of medicine and veterinary medicine said the group would like to have at least 1,500 families in the study.
Those who volunteer will be sent a questionnaire in January or February.
Brook said the researchers would like to contact families for a follow-up within three years, and extend the study process for even longer if possible.
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Sample questions on the questionnaire include: “How do you deal with the workload at peak times?” and “How do you priorize your expenses?”
Brook said researchers are hoping to find positive stories about how families survived the BSE crisis.
These success stories and other recommendations will be presented to farmers in local forums and made available to the media.
“Government needs to hear this as well.”
Brook said the team hopes to make an initial assessment of the information by September, with a full report by the winter of 2009.
“While the economic impacts were often visible, the effects on the health and well-being of affected farmers and their families, as well as their coping strategies, are not well known,” said a news release from the survey group.
“The health of both rural communities and farmers has received relatively little attention compared to urban populations, and the BSE crisis has not changed this.”
The survey will be conducted in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Members from farm, ranch and rural communities interested in participating can call toll free at 877-422-4358 or e-mail ruralfamilyhealth@ucalgary.ca.
