Social media as a window into human-wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk: an examination of wild pig hunting videos on YouTube

Authors

Hailey E. McLean, Warner College of Natural ResourcesFollow
Lauren M. Jaebker, Warner College of Natural Resources
Aaron M. Anderson, USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center
Tara L. Teel, Warner College of Natural Resources
Alan D. Bright, Warner College of Natural Resources
Stephanie A. Shwiff, USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Keith M. Carlisle, Warner College of Natural Resources

ORCID IDs

Hailey E. McLean http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3892-0334

Keith M. Carlisle http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5205-1294

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1-1-2021

Citation

HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2021.1950240

Comments

U.S. government work

Abstract

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) damage agriculture and the environment, as well as transmit diseases to animals and people. Hunters are particularly vulnerable to zoonotic disease risks when harvesting wild pigs. Management agencies have endeavored to inform the public about disease risks associated with wild pigs and best practices for mitigating such risks. However, the extent that this guidance has reached hunters and influenced their practices is unclear. We approached this topic through an analysis of wild pig hunting videos on YouTube. We found evidence of relatively few behaviors and communications regarding disease risks and best practices for personal safety. In contrast, many videos showed behaviors that could increase the risk of disease transmission to the subjects and other animals. We emphasize the importance of understanding the influence of social media on viewers and discuss implications for management agencies, including opportunities for strategic messaging in public health campaigns.