PIGS & PROSPERITY ▶▶▶
Compassion fatigue T
he term “compassion fatigue” was first defined in 1992 in the nursing field to describe the burnout out and emotional toll experienced by those in caretaker positions. In the swine in- dustry, swine caretakers ensure good animal welfare by car-
ing for, treating and managing individual animals across all production stages. Training programmes in the US focus on instilling compassion- ate care for the animals that we work with and continually improving upon our standard of care. However, these caretakers face unique chal- lenges in that they are not only asked to treat and manage animals in their care, but they are also asked to euthanise those animals for whom they have been providing care. Previous work conducted in research labs and animal shelters has demonstrated that surveyed employees indicate that euthanising animals for which they have provided care is stressful because they have developed an emotional attachment through their daily interactions. This ‘caring-killing paradox’ has become even more palpable this year with the need to implement depopulation on farms due to stop move- ments associated with Covid-19 outbreaks. It has been well document- ed in the literature that mass depopulation of farms can result in signif- icant psychological impacts to those involved in the decision-making and process. A fitting example of this is the 2001 Foot-and-Mouth Dis- ease outbreak in the UK. As we continue moving forward in the current uncertainty, the US swine industry has not only focused on developing resources to prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of Covid-19 on farms, but has taken a leadership role in providing the resources need- ed to support human well-being. The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and National Pork Board have developed a web page providing resources addressing mental health and well-being for producers, veterinarians and allied industry. This website includes pamphlets, webinars and hotlines all dedicated to providing sup- port for those in need. Within this website, members have shared their personal stories and advice for others to listen to and learn from. In addition, the AASV has also mailed out a Wellness Wheel Activity to help members assess well-being and devel- op an action plan to continually improve their well-being. When challenging situations arise, the swine industry must focus not only on how to optimise animal welfare with limit- ed resources, but also to ensure the people behind these de- cisions are safe and supported. Taking the life of an animal is never an easy choice. Those who are tasked with this decision need the appropriate resources for support, and the conver- sation on mental health needs to be heard. The AASV has provided a strong commitment to promoting and enhancing well-being for their members, and I encourage swine compa- nies and organisations across the globe to do the same.
42 ▶PIG PROGRESS | Volume 36, No. 8, 2020
Monique Pairis-Garcia Before joining North Carolina State University in 2019, Dr Monique Pairis-Garcia received her Doctor of Veterinary Medi- cine and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Iowa State University with a focus in swine welfare and health. Her research interests include pain manage- ment in live- stock animals.
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