Veterinarians' perceptions of augmented reality training for zoonotic disease management in Bangalore Rural, Karnataka: an exploratory qualitative approach

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With evolving technologies, tools like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) offer immersive platforms that simulate real-world outbreak scenarios, enabling veterinarians to practice critical skills in a safe, controlled environment, which is the need of the hour. Aim To explore the veterinarians' perceptions and the perceived need for an Augmented Reality (AR) training model in zoonotic disease management in Bangalore Rural, Karnataka.. Methods and Material: The study employed an exploratory qualitative method. A total of 15 veterinarians working in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services with at least one year of experience were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a validated guide. Thematic analysis was performed using both inductive and deductive coding. Results Veterinarians expressed that AR-based training could significantly enhance learning through immersive and interactive experiences. Its potential to provide hands-on simulation without exposure to actual infectious environments was especially appreciated in managing exotic and high-risk zoonoses. The flexibility, customisation, and relevance to field realities were seen as major advantages. However, concerns were noted regarding cost-effectiveness, possible health impacts, legal considerations, and hesitancy among older professionals. Conclusions AR-based training was positively received as a valuable tool for improving zoonotic disease preparedness. Despite some reservations, there is a strong need for direct exposure to such technologies. Future research should evaluate the comparative cost-effectiveness of AR/VR versus conventional training models. Zoonoses Virtual Reality Augmented Reality and Emergency Preparedness Key Message In the age of advancing technology, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality offers exciting prospects in combating zoonotic outbreaks by providing simulating experiences in a safe and controlled environment. Although praised for its immersive experience by the participants, adaptability among senior professionals is a concern. 1. Introduction Zoonoses pose a significant threat to global health security. Every year, approximately 2.5 billion cases of human illness and about 2.7 million deaths worldwide are attributed to zoonoses [1]. These diseases can have broader socio-economic impacts across multiple sectors, including agriculture, tourism, travel, trade, and retail industries. The environmental effects of zoonoses are also evident [2, 3]. Factors such as humid climates, rich wildlife diversity, sociocultural practices like proximity with the livestock, high population density of humans and animals, deforestation, climate change and globalisation of trade are all factors that play a great role in the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans [4, 5, 6] . Zoonotic disease in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) is a significant problem as most of the well-known zoonotic diseases are from this region; also, the pandemics and outbreaks of emerging infections such as Zika, Nipah, Mpox, and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens continue to occur in Southeast Asia [7] which is due to the interplay of various socioeconomic and environmental factors [8]. Zoonotic diseases pose a significant public health challenge in India, with past outbreaks such as the Plague causing 12 million deaths since 1898 and rabies leading to 20,000 deaths annually. Brucellosis is another important zoonotic disease that causes an annual loss of about three million man-days and an economic setback of Rs. 240 million due to its impact on cattle and buffalo populations [9]. Effective coordination and collaboration among animal, human, and environmental health sectors are crucial for addressing zoonotic diseases [10]. Sufficient Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) is essential for responding to and recovering from outbreaks and the poor state of PHEP is evident in many regions of the world [11]. Consequently, governments and health departments are also prioritizing emergency preparedness. However, there are several challenges in zoonotic disease preparedness: a shortage of trained personnel in both rural and urban areas hampers effective response and management, compounded by insufficient health promotion efforts, especially in rural regions; and a lack of necessary interventions, innovations, and technologies [12]. Capacity building in outbreak response is critical for improving PHEP. However, creating outbreak scenarios to help participants understand actual situations can be challenging. With evolving technologies, it is becoming increasingly efficient to use Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) as tools for training health professionals and enhancing their capacity as part of PHEP for infectious disease outbreaks [13]. The virtual reality platform creates computer-generated environments with realistic scenarios, while AR overlays virtual data onto the real world, providing a composite view [14, 15, 16]. Despite their proven effectiveness in medical fields, the use of these technologies in public health remains limited [17]. Some organizations have tested VR and AR-based training for public health emergency preparedness, outbreak management, and infection control [13, 18, 19]. AR and VR technologies offer controlled and realistic outbreak simulations, allowing professionals to practice emergency management skills safely [13]. Applications range from outbreak simulations to clinical training sessions [20]. Studies show that AR training outperforms traditional methods in skill acquisition, learning speed, and information retention. Additionally, AR training is scalable without incurring additional costs, unlike conventional approaches [19]. These practical applications demonstrate AR's potential as a valuable tool for enhancing emergency preparedness and response in public health, highlighting its promise for future training programs. This study serves as a baseline study in Karnataka to explore veterinarians' perceptions and the need for an AR training model for zoonotic disease in Bangalore, Rural Karnataka. Understanding their perspectives is key to assessing the transformative potential of AR in capacity-building for zoonotic disease management. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Study design and setting An exploratory qualitative study design was employed to explore the veterinarians' perceptions and the perceived need for an Augmented Reality (AR) training model in zoonotic disease management in Bangalore Rural district, Karnataka, India. Two taluks –Nelamangala and Devanahalli from the Bengaluru Rural district were selected as study sites. 2.2. Participant Recruitment Veterinarians working in the Bengaluru Rural Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services were enrolled. A total of 15 veterinarians from three different designation levels were recruited for the study. Given that the domain of augmented reality (AR) in public health is still in its infancy, a brief introduction to this technology was provided in the sphere of public health during taluk meetings of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in two taluks (Nelamangala taluk and Devanahalli taluk) of the district. Orientation consisted of presentations and videos on AR and VR-based training focusing on the medical and public health domains. 2.3.Sampling Purposive sampling was used to select the study participants. Inclusion criteria included veterinarians with a minimum of one year of work experience and those present for the orientation. 2.4. Ethical consideration This study was conducted following ethical principles and was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital (Approval Number: IEC2: 682/2023).A written informed consent was obtained from all the participants prior to the data collection. The study adhered to the ethical standards, and participant’s identities were protected through the use of participant IDs. 2.5. Data collection and analysis A validated interview guide was used to conduct the interviews; the interview guide consisted of questions related to zoonotic disease experiences and perceptions about AR-based training for managing zoonotic diseases, outbreaks, and exotic diseases. Questions on the need to customize AR-based training and receptivity to AR-based training among veterinarians were also included. A prior appointment was made with the veterinarians to schedule the interviews, and informed consent was obtained to conduct the interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Codes were developed during the analysis and categorised into popular themes and sub-themes using inductive and deductive approaches. 3. Results A total of 15 in-depth interviews were conducted in the Bengaluru rural district, Interviewees included three Chief Veterinarian Officers (CVOs), four Senior Veterinary Officers (SVOs), and eight Veterinary Officers (VOs) . The interviews provided rich insights into the existing challenges in zoonotic disease management, the acceptability of augmented reality (AR)-based training, and the preferred modes of veterinary skill development. Thematic analysis using NVivo 14TM employed both inductive and deductive approaches, leading to the development of three major themes: 3.1. Zoonotic disease management and challenges in the field All veterinarians interviewed reported firsthand experience in managing zoonotic diseases. Commonly reported conditions included brucellosis, rabies, leptospirosis, and foot-and-mouth disease. Several participants also mentioned cases of anthrax, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), avian influenza, tuberculosis, and bluetongue. "I have experience in managing outbreaks of FMD (Foot-and-mouth disease), leptospirosis, and Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) during my veterinary practice." - VO1 Preventive strategies used in the field include vaccination, fumigation, castration, quarantine, and culling. However, veterinarians frequently encounter barriers such as poor cooperation from farmers, community resistance to culling, delays in lab diagnostics, and lack of protective equipment. "As you know, prevention is better than cure. There are national vaccination programs in place, with the government offering free rabies vaccines for both pet dogs and stray dogs. However, vaccinating stray dogs is a challenge due to the lack of stray dog catchers in our area." - VO2 "Previously, technicians and para-medical staff handled cases such as removing the retention of the placenta, addressing repeat breeding issues, and providing intrauterine treatments without protective gear due to limited resources." - VO3 "Facing delays in obtaining reports from government laboratories due to high workload." - VO3 Limited training opportunities were reported, with most veterinarians receiving only one or two sessions per year, often with little emphasis on zoonotic disease management. The shift to online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic further reduced practical learning experiences. 3.2. Perception related to AR adoption and implementation in zoonotic disease management AR was widely perceived as a transformative tool in veterinary training. The immersive nature of AR was appreciated for its ability to simulate outbreak scenarios and provide a safer, risk-free environment for experiential learning. "This immersive experience will allow me to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge that may not be readily available through traditional training methods." - VO3 "We can repeat the training as many times as needed, customize the disease scenario, and include new components in the training." - VO1 "Traditional training in the field exposes us to the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, whereas augmented reality training eliminates this risk." - SVO2 AR was seen as particularly useful for training on rare or exotic diseases, enabling veterinarians to gain experience they may never encounter in routine practice. "I think for outbreak scenarios AR training would be good because you cannot experience outbreaks all the time in your work so if we simulate using AR and then train the professionals, we will get hands-on experience on how to handle the outbreak." - VO1 "Instead of relying on observations of exotic diseases in other countries, simulations through AR could provide us with a better understanding of these diseases…" - VO6 However, some limitations were noted. High acquisition costs, risk of eye strain, inability to simulate tactile feedback, and concerns about the misuse of AR by unqualified personnel were highlighted. "I think it will be challenging because the cost involved in acquiring the technology is very high." - VO7 "When we use AR headsets for a longer duration it might affect our eyes." - SVO1 "The feel of gloves and PPE kits on the skin, as well as sensations like heat from wearing a PPE kit, cannot be accurately simulated in AR." - VO2 Only a few participants had prior exposure to AR or VR platforms. Many expressed the need for firsthand experience before evaluating its effectiveness. "Once I use it, I’ll be able to identify any difficulties I encounter or assess its potential as a training tool for managing zoonotic diseases." - VO8 "Before adoption, they’ll need to personally experience AR to assess its cost-effectiveness and efficiency compared to traditional methods." - CVO2 Despite concerns, most were optimistic about the value of AR for professional development. "There should be no problem in adopting it, as it enhances knowledge and improves professional skills significantly." - VO2 Yet, resistance from older veterinarians due to lack of digital familiarity and nearing retirement was acknowledged. "Veterinarians may take time to embrace AR technology, as its human nature to be resistant to new things." - CVO2 "Individuals above the age of 55 may be less inclined to adopt this technology due to their shorter remaining tenure in the profession." - VO5 The fidelity of AR simulations in comparison to real-life cases was questioned. "Initially, adopting AR-based training may pose challenges since we lack experience with this technology." - VO8 "It’s not always that what we simulate using AR will precisely match the cases we encounter. The cases we encounter may be somewhat different from the simulations in training." - VO6 Customization of AR modules to suit district-specific zoonotic disease profiles and environmental contexts was strongly advocated. "If you are conducting AR training, it is important to consider the diseases that are prevalent in a particular district." - CVO1 "In regions like Bangalore, Ramnagara, and Kolar, crossbred animals such as Holstein Friesian (HF) and Jersey are predominant, while coastal areas often feature local breeds like Malnad Gidda. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess the prevalence of local and crossbreed animals in each region and understand their susceptibility to various diseases." - SVO2 However, excessive localization might reduce applicability elsewhere. "If you focus on specific challenges within a district for training, that model becomes limited to that area alone and may not be applicable elsewhere." - CVO2 Many suggested integrating AR with traditional field training. "The key is integration. All our ideas about outbreak simulation and communication must be thoroughly simulated in the AR model. The better the integration, the better will be our understanding." - CVO2 The priority of the disease was another factor influencing acceptance. "Ultimately, the acceptance of AR-based training for exotic diseases depends on the perceived importance and impact of the disease. Even if such training were offered for free, its acceptance may be limited if the disease lacks significant public or governmental concern." - VO5 There was agreement on the need to regulate access to AR technologies. "It is crucial to restrict access to augmented reality training to qualified individuals only. There are legal boundaries associated with such technologies, but if controlled, they can be wonderful educational tools." - CVO1 3.3. Veterinarians’ training method preferences A minority of the veterinarians, mostly the senior professionals preferred traditional training due to its tangible, hands-on approach. "Since we need to touch and handle the animals, I think live training would be better compared to augmented reality." - VO1 However, most supported AR-based training due to its interactive and engaging nature. "If you are briefing us about outbreak control, you might outline the steps to take. However, with AR technology, the outbreak is simulated, allowing us to practice handling the outbreak in the virtual world." - VO7 Overall, AR was seen as an enhancement tool and not as replacement for traditional methods. 4. Discussion The findings from this study underscore the significant potential of AR technologies in enhancing veterinary training, particularly in the context of zoonotic disease preparedness. While these technologies offer promising avenues for skill enhancement and response strategy practice, their application in this field remains relatively unexplored [ 17 ].The unpredictable nature of zoonotic disease outbreaks, which can escalate into global pandemics, highlights the urgent need for robust and effective preparedness strategies. Very few studies have been conducted on the role of AR/VR technologies in zoonotic disease preparedness and response training, emphasizing the need for further research in this area. In the present study, it was evident that all veterinarians had experience handling zoonotic diseases. The most commonly mentioned zoonotic diseases were brucellosis, rabies and leptospirosis. Some participants also reported experiences with anthrax, avian influenza, bluetongue, paratuberculosis, and tuberculosis in cattle. These findings highlight the range of zoonotic diseases encountered by veterinarians and align closely with global disease trends [ 9 ]. The experiences of veterinarians underscore their crucial role in responding to zoonotic outbreaks and mitigating their impact on public and animal health. However, the study noted limited training on zoonotic disease management, with only one or two training sessions occurring annually, often not focused solely on zoonotic diseases. The study focused on the potential of AR-based training to enhance veterinarians' preparedness for zoonotic disease management. It revealed interesting insights on using AR to improve this preparedness. Veterinarians highlighted the immersive nature of AR, which enhances the learning experience by allowing interaction with virtual objects and environments. They noted that AR provides hands-on experience, which is crucial for developing the skills required to manage zoonotic outbreaks in the field, thereby enhancing preparedness and response training. These findings align with the other VR studies [ 17 , 21 , 22 ], indicating that immersive technologies can enhance skill acquisition, knowledge retention, and preparedness for managing infectious diseases. Studies that used VR technologies showed improvement in infection control practices among frontline workers [ 21 ] and boosted the knowledge and performance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) [ 22 ]. One study has also highlighted its potential in emergency preparedness training [ 17 ]. Veterinarians also perceived that AR training could reduce the risks associated with traditional field training. The opinions were consistent with AR and VR studies [ 2 , 17 , 23 , 24 ], which highlight that VR and AR simulations provide a safe practice environment for high-risk procedures without real-life consequences. Participants in the study believed that AR could reduce errors and enable quicker actions during outbreaks. This perspective was supported by Zhang’s study [ 25 ], which found that VR simulation training enhanced nurses' response capacity compared to conventional methods. Additionally, it is also noted that AR training enhances practical skills such as communication, clinical skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity [ 26 ]. Veterinarians acknowledged that AR-based training prepares professionals for zoonotic diseases and rare scenarios, offering a hands-on experience that surpasses reliance on external observations. However, they expressed concerns about its cost-effectiveness. These concerns align with the studies [ 24 , 26 ] that identify high upfront costs as barriers to AR training in the medical field. Despite these costs, AR and VR could justify the initial investment since they can be used repeatedly and also can replace expensive physical drills, thereby reducing transport, manpower, and equipment costs [ 17 , 23 , 24 ]. Participants also raised concerns about potential health risks associated with increased digital exposure, such as eye strain. Although the health concerns varied in the literature, studies have shown that issues such as cybersickness, including dizziness and nausea, can arise while using AR and VR headsets, leading to worries about long-term health impacts [ 27 , 28 ]. Despite these concerns, most participants were willing to adopt AR technology for training if provided by the government. In the present study, many participants preferred AR-based training over traditional training or at least in combination with it. Previous studies support this preference, showing high acceptance of immersive technologies among healthcare workers due to their benefits in improving skills, preparedness, and emergency response capabilities [ 22 , 25 , 27 , 29 ]. AR and VR training can be repeated without additional costs, helping novice learners enhance their skills and work performance [ 23 , 24 ]. Decreasing costs through commercialization, increasing cost-effectiveness, a cultural shift toward acceptance, and access to training resources facilitate the acceptance and effective implementation of AR and VR technology in medical training [ 24 ]. 5. Limitations of the study The limitation of this study was its restricted geographical coverage, as orientation meetings were not conducted in two of the four taluks due to the short study duration. 6. Conclusion Most participants agreed that AR-based training enhances learning due to its immersive nature, allowing them to practice skills in realistic scenarios. However, concerns were raised about the cost-effectiveness of AR technology, potential health risks, and legal implications. All participants emphasised the utility of AR in zoonotic outbreak management, particularly for practising outbreak investigation and response. Moving forward, training modules for high-priority zoonoses should be developed, and the Animal Husbandry and Health Department must be sensitised to the benefits and cost-efficiency of AR-based training. Declarations Ethical approval and Participant consent : Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Funding: This study was not funded by any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Author Contribution RM and NV. conceived the idea and designed the study. NV. supervised the study. RM. collected the data and conducted the analysis. RM, NV, and VC. conducted data analysis, drafted and edited the manuscript. MC. provided expertise on zoonotic disease management and conducted data analysis. MM. drafted and edited the manuscript. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgement We are grateful to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Karnataka, and the veterinarians who participated in the study. We also thank the Manipal Academy of Higher Education for its support. The authors acknowledge the use of OpenAI's ChatGPT (version 2) for language improvement without influencing the originality or integrity of the content. Data Availability The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. References van der Westhuizen CG, Burt FJ, van Heerden N, van Zyl W, Anthonissen T, Musoke J. Prevalence and occupational exposure to zoonotic diseases in high-risk populations in the Free State Province, South Africa. Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1196044. Smith SJ, Farra S, Ulrich DL, Hodgson E, Nicely S, Matcham W. Learning and retention using virtual reality in a decontamination simulation. Nurs Educ Perspect. 2016;37:210. 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11:58:14","extension":"html","order_by":5,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":73754,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7773130/v1/77ab02b9b5292418704c79c8.html"},{"id":102234806,"identity":"9d70330e-2621-4be3-9d43-0080acd6cfa7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-09 16:13:23","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":621356,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7773130/v1/5aa82acc-4406-4c26-a9ab-7fbd8719d02f.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Veterinarians' perceptions of augmented reality training for zoonotic disease management in Bangalore Rural, Karnataka: an exploratory qualitative approach","fulltext":[{"header":"Key Message","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn the age of advancing technology, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality offers exciting prospects in combating zoonotic outbreaks by providing simulating experiences in a safe and controlled environment. Although praised for its immersive experience by the \u0026nbsp; participants, adaptability among senior professionals is a concern.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eZoonoses pose a significant threat to global health security. Every year, approximately 2.5 billion cases of human illness and about 2.7 million deaths worldwide are attributed to zoonoses [1]. These diseases can have broader socio-economic impacts across multiple sectors, including agriculture, tourism, travel, trade, and retail industries. The environmental effects of zoonoses are also evident [2, 3]. Factors such as humid climates, rich wildlife diversity, sociocultural practices like proximity with the livestock, high population density of humans and animals, deforestation, climate change and globalisation of trade are all factors that play a great role in the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans [4, 5, 6] .\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZoonotic disease in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) is a significant problem as most of the well-known zoonotic diseases are from this region; also, the pandemics and outbreaks of emerging infections such as Zika, Nipah, Mpox, and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens continue to occur in Southeast Asia [7] \u0026nbsp;which is due to the interplay of various socioeconomic and environmental factors [8].\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZoonotic diseases pose a significant public health challenge in India, with past outbreaks such as the Plague causing 12 million deaths since 1898 and rabies leading to 20,000 deaths annually. Brucellosis is another important zoonotic disease that causes an annual loss of about three million man-days and an economic setback of Rs. 240 million due to its impact on cattle and buffalo populations [9].\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective coordination and collaboration among animal, human, and environmental health sectors are crucial for addressing zoonotic diseases [10]. Sufficient Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) is essential for responding to and recovering from outbreaks and the poor state of PHEP is evident in many regions of the world [11]. Consequently, governments and health departments are also prioritizing emergency preparedness. However, there are several challenges in zoonotic disease preparedness: a shortage of trained personnel in both rural and urban areas hampers effective response and management, compounded by insufficient health promotion efforts, especially in rural regions; and a lack of necessary interventions, innovations, and technologies [12]. Capacity building in outbreak response is critical for improving PHEP. \u0026nbsp;However, creating outbreak scenarios to help participants understand actual situations can be challenging. With evolving technologies, it is becoming increasingly efficient to use Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) as tools for training health professionals and enhancing their capacity as part of PHEP for infectious disease outbreaks [13]. The virtual reality platform creates computer-generated environments with realistic scenarios, while AR overlays virtual data onto the real world, providing a composite view [14, 15, 16]. Despite their proven effectiveness in medical fields, the use of these technologies in public health remains limited [17]. Some organizations have tested VR and AR-based training for public health emergency preparedness, outbreak management, and infection control [13, 18, 19].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAR and VR technologies offer controlled and realistic outbreak simulations, allowing professionals to practice emergency management skills safely [13]. Applications range from outbreak simulations to clinical training sessions [20]. Studies show that AR training outperforms traditional methods in skill acquisition, learning speed, and information retention. Additionally, AR training is scalable without incurring additional costs, unlike conventional approaches [19].\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese practical applications demonstrate AR's potential as a valuable tool for enhancing emergency preparedness and response in public health, highlighting its promise for future training programs. This study serves as a baseline study in Karnataka to explore veterinarians' perceptions and the need for an AR training model for zoonotic disease in Bangalore, Rural Karnataka. Understanding their perspectives is key to assessing the transformative potential of AR in capacity-building for zoonotic disease management.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1. Study design and setting\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn exploratory qualitative study design was employed to explore the veterinarians' perceptions and the perceived need for an Augmented Reality (AR) training model in zoonotic disease management in Bangalore Rural district, Karnataka, India. Two taluks \u0026ndash;Nelamangala and Devanahalli from the Bengaluru Rural district were selected as study sites.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2. Participant Recruitment\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVeterinarians working in the Bengaluru Rural Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services were enrolled. A total of 15 veterinarians from three different designation levels were recruited for the study. Given that the domain of augmented reality (AR) in public health is still in its infancy, a brief introduction to this technology was provided in the sphere of public health during taluk meetings of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in two taluks (Nelamangala taluk and Devanahalli taluk) of the district. Orientation consisted of presentations and videos on AR and VR-based training focusing on the medical and public health domains.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.3.Sampling\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePurposive sampling was used to select the study participants. Inclusion criteria included veterinarians with a minimum of one year of work experience and those present for the orientation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.4. Ethical consideration\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e This study was conducted following ethical principles and was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital (Approval Number: IEC2: 682/2023).A written informed consent was obtained from all the participants prior to the data collection. The study adhered to the ethical standards, and participant\u0026rsquo;s identities were protected through the use of participant IDs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.5. Data collection and analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA validated interview guide was used to conduct the interviews; the interview guide consisted of questions related to zoonotic disease experiences and perceptions about AR-based training for managing zoonotic diseases, outbreaks, and exotic diseases. Questions on the need to customize AR-based training and receptivity to AR-based training among veterinarians were also included. A prior appointment was made with the veterinarians to schedule the interviews, and informed consent was obtained to conduct the interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Codes were developed during the analysis and categorised into popular themes and sub-themes using inductive and deductive approaches.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eA total of 15 in-depth interviews were conducted in the Bengaluru rural district, Interviewees included three Chief Veterinarian Officers (CVOs), four Senior Veterinary Officers (SVOs), and eight Veterinary Officers (VOs) .\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The interviews provided rich insights into the existing challenges in zoonotic disease management, the acceptability of augmented reality (AR)-based training, and the preferred modes of veterinary skill development. Thematic analysis using NVivo 14TM employed both inductive and deductive approaches, leading to the development of three major themes:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.1. Zoonotic disease management and challenges in the field\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll veterinarians interviewed reported firsthand experience in managing zoonotic diseases. Commonly reported conditions included brucellosis, rabies, leptospirosis, and foot-and-mouth disease. Several participants also mentioned cases of anthrax, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), avian influenza, tuberculosis, and bluetongue.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I have experience in managing outbreaks of FMD (Foot-and-mouth disease), leptospirosis, and Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) during my veterinary practice.\" - VO1\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePreventive strategies used in the field include vaccination, fumigation, castration, quarantine, and culling. However, veterinarians frequently encounter barriers such as poor cooperation from farmers, community resistance to culling, delays in lab diagnostics, and lack of protective equipment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"As you know, prevention is better than cure. There are national vaccination programs in place, with the government offering free rabies vaccines for both pet dogs and stray dogs. However, vaccinating stray dogs is a challenge due to the lack of stray dog catchers in our area.\" - VO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Previously, technicians and para-medical staff handled cases such as removing the retention of the placenta, addressing repeat breeding issues, and providing intrauterine treatments without protective gear due to limited resources.\" - VO3\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Facing delays in obtaining reports from government laboratories due to high workload.\" - VO3\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimited training opportunities were reported, with most veterinarians receiving only one or two sessions per year, often with little emphasis on zoonotic disease management. The shift to online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic further reduced practical learning experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2. Perception related to AR adoption and implementation in zoonotic disease management\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAR was widely perceived as a transformative tool in veterinary training. The immersive nature of AR was appreciated for its ability to simulate outbreak scenarios and provide a safer, risk-free environment for experiential learning.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"This immersive experience will allow me to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge that may not be readily available through traditional training methods.\" - VO3\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"We can repeat the training as many times as needed, customize the disease scenario, and include new components in the training.\" - VO1\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Traditional training in the field exposes us to the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, whereas augmented reality training eliminates this risk.\" - SVO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAR was seen as particularly useful for training on rare or exotic diseases, enabling veterinarians to gain experience they may never encounter in routine practice.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I think for outbreak scenarios AR training would be good because you cannot experience outbreaks all the time in your work so if we simulate using AR and then train the professionals, we will get hands-on experience on how to handle the outbreak.\" - VO1\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Instead of relying on observations of exotic diseases in other countries, simulations through AR could provide us with a better understanding of these diseases\u0026hellip;\" - VO6\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, some limitations were noted. High acquisition costs, risk of eye strain, inability to simulate tactile feedback, and concerns about the misuse of AR by unqualified personnel were highlighted.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I think it will be challenging because the cost involved in acquiring the technology is very high.\" - VO7\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"When we use AR headsets for a longer duration it might affect our eyes.\" - SVO1\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"The feel of gloves and PPE kits on the skin, as well as sensations like heat from wearing a PPE kit, cannot be accurately simulated in AR.\" - VO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly a few participants had prior exposure to AR or VR platforms. Many expressed the need for firsthand experience before evaluating its effectiveness.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Once I use it, I\u0026rsquo;ll be able to identify any difficulties I encounter or assess its potential as a training tool for managing zoonotic diseases.\" - VO8\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Before adoption, they\u0026rsquo;ll need to personally experience AR to assess its cost-effectiveness and efficiency compared to traditional methods.\" - CVO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite concerns, most were optimistic about the value of AR for professional development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"There should be no problem in adopting it, as it enhances knowledge and improves professional skills significantly.\" - VO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet, resistance from older veterinarians due to lack of digital familiarity and nearing retirement was acknowledged.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Veterinarians may take time to embrace AR technology, as its human nature to be resistant to new things.\" - CVO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Individuals above the age of 55 may be less inclined to adopt this technology due to their shorter remaining tenure in the profession.\" - VO5\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fidelity of AR simulations in comparison to real-life cases was questioned.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Initially, adopting AR-based training may pose challenges since we lack experience with this technology.\" - VO8\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"It\u0026rsquo;s not always that what we simulate using AR will precisely match the cases we encounter. The cases we encounter may be somewhat different from the simulations in training.\" - VO6\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustomization of AR modules to suit district-specific zoonotic disease profiles and environmental contexts was strongly advocated.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"If you are conducting AR training, it is important to consider the diseases that are prevalent in a particular district.\" - CVO1\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"In regions like Bangalore, Ramnagara, and Kolar, crossbred animals such as Holstein Friesian (HF) and Jersey are predominant, while coastal areas often feature local breeds like Malnad Gidda. Therefore, it\u0026rsquo;s crucial to assess the prevalence of local and crossbreed animals in each region and understand their susceptibility to various diseases.\" - SVO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, excessive localization might reduce applicability elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"If you focus on specific challenges within a district for training, that model becomes limited to that area alone and may not be applicable elsewhere.\" - CVO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany suggested integrating AR with traditional field training.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"The key is integration. All our ideas about outbreak simulation and communication must be thoroughly simulated in the AR model. The better the integration, the better will be our understanding.\" - CVO2\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe priority of the disease was another factor influencing acceptance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Ultimately, the acceptance of AR-based training for exotic diseases depends on the perceived importance and impact of the disease. Even if such training were offered for free, its acceptance may be limited if the disease lacks significant public or governmental concern.\" - VO5\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere was agreement on the need to regulate access to AR technologies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"It is crucial to restrict access to augmented reality training to qualified individuals only. There are legal boundaries associated with such technologies, but if controlled, they can be wonderful educational tools.\" - CVO1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.3. Veterinarians\u0026rsquo; training method preferences\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA minority of the veterinarians, mostly the senior professionals preferred traditional training due to its tangible, hands-on approach.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Since we need to touch and handle the animals, I think live training would be better compared to augmented reality.\" - VO1\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, most supported AR-based training due to its interactive and engaging nature.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"If you are briefing us about outbreak control, you might outline the steps to take. However, with AR technology, the outbreak is simulated, allowing us to practice handling the outbreak in the virtual world.\" - VO7\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, AR was seen as an enhancement tool and not as replacement for traditional methods.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe findings from this study underscore the significant potential of AR technologies in enhancing veterinary training, particularly in the context of zoonotic disease preparedness. While these technologies offer promising avenues for skill enhancement and response strategy practice, their application in this field remains relatively unexplored [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].The unpredictable nature of zoonotic disease outbreaks, which can escalate into global pandemics, highlights the urgent need for robust and effective preparedness strategies. Very few studies have been conducted on the role of AR/VR technologies in zoonotic disease preparedness and response training, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the present study, it was evident that all veterinarians had experience handling zoonotic diseases. The most commonly mentioned zoonotic diseases were brucellosis, rabies and leptospirosis. Some participants also reported experiences with anthrax, avian influenza, bluetongue, paratuberculosis, and tuberculosis in cattle. These findings highlight the range of zoonotic diseases encountered by veterinarians and align closely with global disease trends [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. The experiences of veterinarians underscore their crucial role in responding to zoonotic outbreaks and mitigating their impact on public and animal health. However, the study noted limited training on zoonotic disease management, with only one or two training sessions occurring annually, often not focused solely on zoonotic diseases. The study focused on the potential of AR-based training to enhance veterinarians' preparedness for zoonotic disease management. It revealed interesting insights on using AR to improve this preparedness. Veterinarians highlighted the immersive nature of AR, which enhances the learning experience by allowing interaction with virtual objects and environments. They noted that AR provides hands-on experience, which is crucial for developing the skills required to manage zoonotic outbreaks in the field, thereby enhancing preparedness and response training. These findings align with the other VR studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], indicating that immersive technologies can enhance skill acquisition, knowledge retention, and preparedness for managing infectious diseases. Studies that used VR technologies showed improvement in infection control practices among frontline workers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e] and boosted the knowledge and performance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. One study has also highlighted its potential in emergency preparedness training [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVeterinarians also perceived that AR training could reduce the risks associated with traditional field training. The opinions were consistent with AR and VR studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], which highlight that VR and AR simulations provide a safe practice environment for high-risk procedures without real-life consequences. Participants in the study believed that AR could reduce errors and enable quicker actions during outbreaks. This perspective was supported by Zhang\u0026rsquo;s study [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e], which found that VR simulation training enhanced nurses' response capacity compared to conventional methods. Additionally, it is also noted that AR training enhances practical skills such as communication, clinical skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVeterinarians acknowledged that AR-based training prepares professionals for zoonotic diseases and rare scenarios, offering a hands-on experience that surpasses reliance on external observations. However, they expressed concerns about its cost-effectiveness. These concerns align with the studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e] that identify high upfront costs as barriers to AR training in the medical field. Despite these costs, AR and VR could justify the initial investment since they can be used repeatedly and also can replace expensive physical drills, thereby reducing transport, manpower, and equipment costs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipants also raised concerns about potential health risks associated with increased digital exposure, such as eye strain. Although the health concerns varied in the literature, studies have shown that issues such as cybersickness, including dizziness and nausea, can arise while using AR and VR headsets, leading to worries about long-term health impacts [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Despite these concerns, most participants were willing to adopt AR technology for training if provided by the government.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the present study, many participants preferred AR-based training over traditional training or at least in combination with it. Previous studies support this preference, showing high acceptance of immersive technologies among healthcare workers due to their benefits in improving skills, preparedness, and emergency response capabilities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. AR and VR training can be repeated without additional costs, helping novice learners enhance their skills and work performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Decreasing costs through commercialization, increasing cost-effectiveness, a cultural shift toward acceptance, and access to training resources facilitate the acceptance and effective implementation of AR and VR technology in medical training [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Limitations of the study","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe limitation of this study was its restricted geographical coverage, as orientation meetings were not conducted in two of the four taluks due to the short study duration.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eMost participants agreed that AR-based training enhances learning due to its immersive nature, allowing them to practice skills in realistic scenarios. However, concerns were raised about the cost-effectiveness of AR technology, potential health risks, and legal implications. All participants emphasised the utility of AR in zoonotic outbreak management, particularly for practising outbreak investigation and response. Moving forward, training modules for high-priority zoonoses should be developed, and the Animal Husbandry and Health Department must be sensitised to the benefits and cost-efficiency of AR-based training.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eEthical approval\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eand Participant consent\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eConsent for publication:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was not funded by any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRM and NV. conceived the idea and designed the study. NV. supervised the study. RM. collected the data and conducted the analysis. RM, NV, and VC. conducted data analysis, drafted and edited the manuscript. MC. provided expertise on zoonotic disease management and conducted data analysis. MM. drafted and edited the manuscript. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are grateful to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Karnataka, and the veterinarians who participated in the study. We also thank the Manipal Academy of Higher Education for its support. The authors acknowledge the use of OpenAI\u0026apos;s ChatGPT (version 2) for language improvement without influencing the originality or integrity of the content.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003evan der Westhuizen CG, Burt FJ, van Heerden N, van Zyl W, Anthonissen T, Musoke J. Prevalence and occupational exposure to zoonotic diseases in high-risk populations in the Free State Province, South Africa. Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1196044.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmith SJ, Farra S, Ulrich DL, Hodgson E, Nicely S, Matcham W. Learning and retention using virtual reality in a decontamination simulation. 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Augmented reality in medical education: students\u0026rsquo; experiences and learning outcomes. Med Educ Online. 2021;26:1953953.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEichel VM, Brandt C, Brandt J, Jabs JM, Mutters NT. Is virtual reality suitable for hand hygiene training in health care workers? Evaluating an application for acceptability and effectiveness. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2022;11:91.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKlimova A, Bilyatdinova A, Karsakov A. Existing teaching practices in augmented reality. Procedia Comput Sci. 2018;136:5\u0026ndash;15.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonahan C, Ullberg L, Harvey K. Virtual emergency preparedness planning using Second Life. 2009 IEEE/INFORMS International Conference on Service Operations, Logistics and Informatics. 2009:306\u0026ndash;310.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Zoonoses, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Emergency Preparedness","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7773130/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7773130/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBackground\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndia bears a significant zoonotic disease burden, with 13 zoonoses accounting for approximately 2.2\u0026nbsp;million deaths annually. With evolving technologies, tools like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) offer immersive platforms that simulate real-world outbreak scenarios, enabling veterinarians to practice critical skills in a safe, controlled environment, which is the need of the hour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAim\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo explore the veterinarians' perceptions and the perceived need for an Augmented Reality (AR) training model in zoonotic disease management in Bangalore Rural, Karnataka..\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethods and Material:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study employed an exploratory qualitative method. A total of 15 veterinarians working in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services with at least one year of experience were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a validated guide. Thematic analysis was performed using both inductive and deductive coding.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResults\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVeterinarians expressed that AR-based training could significantly enhance learning through immersive and interactive experiences. Its potential to provide hands-on simulation without exposure to actual infectious environments was especially appreciated in managing exotic and high-risk zoonoses. The flexibility, customisation, and relevance to field realities were seen as major advantages. However, concerns were noted regarding cost-effectiveness, possible health impacts, legal considerations, and hesitancy among older professionals.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAR-based training was positively received as a valuable tool for improving zoonotic disease preparedness. Despite some reservations, there is a strong need for direct exposure to such technologies. Future research should evaluate the comparative cost-effectiveness of AR/VR versus conventional training models.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Veterinarians' perceptions of augmented reality training for zoonotic disease management in Bangalore Rural, Karnataka: an exploratory qualitative approach","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-24 11:58:09","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7773130/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-12-08T16:08:10+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"719071852309289186650598920073111504","date":"2025-12-03T08:47:48+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-27T13:08:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-20T09:30:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"89733524502088508367925627458956569616","date":"2025-11-14T09:42:03+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"62114737740227353289534621610373340407","date":"2025-11-12T09:45:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-11-12T08:43:27+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-10-23T07:13:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-10-23T07:13:08+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Public Health","date":"2025-10-03T11:28:39+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"9881c612-1a0c-470c-afaa-90b010892fa9","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 24th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-09T16:08:30+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-7773130","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01461-9","journal":{"identity":"discover-public-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Discover Public Health"},"publishedOn":"2026-02-03 15:57:11","publishedOnDateReadable":"February 3rd, 2026"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-24 11:58:09","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12982-026-01461-9","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01461-9","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7773130","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7773130","identity":"rs-7773130","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}