Involving stakeholders: The Belgian Fowl Pest Crisis

This paper presents results of a study of risk perceptions and risk communication issues arising from the "Fowl Pest Crisis'' in Belgium. During the crisis, various unanticipated groups emerged as influential stakeholders - such as pigeon fancier associations, zoos or collectors of exotic birds. These stakeholders were not used to communicating with the public authorities responsible for the food chain and, as a result, resorted to informal and political contacts in order to be heard; nor were the authorities quickly able to establish a valid understanding of these stakeholders during the crisis. Based on this evidence, we suggest that methods are needed to gather opinions and worldviews of homogeneous groups of actors in advance of any crisis. These not only give the opportunity to learn more about the stakeholders' views but also help to build confidence with public authorities.