Biosecurity Conditions in Small Commercial Chicken Farms, Bangladesh 2011–2012

Abstract

In Bangladesh, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is endemic in poultry. This study aimed to understand the biosecurity conditions and farmers’ perception of avian influenza biosecurity in Bangladeshi small commercial chicken farms. During 2011–2012, we conducted observations, in-depth interviews and group discussions with poultry farmers in 16 farms and in-depth interviews with seven local feed vendors from two districts. None of the farms were completely segregated from people, backyard poultry, other animals, households, other poultry farms or large trees. Wild birds and rodents accessed the farms for poultry feed. Farmers usually did not allow the buyers to bring egg trays inside their sheds. Spraying disinfectant in the shed and removing feces were the only regular cleaning and disinfection activities observed. All farmers sold or used untreated feces as fish feed or fertilizer. Farmers were more concerned about Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease than about avian influenza. Farmers’ understanding about biosecurity and avian influenza was influenced by local vendors. While we seldom observed flock segregation, some farmers used measures that involved additional cost or effort to protect their flocks. These farmers could be motivated by interventions to protect their investment from diseases they consider harmful. Future interventions could explore the feasibility and effectiveness of low-cost alternative biosecurity measures.

Where backyard poultry raisers seek care for sick poultry: implications for avian influenza prevention in Bangladesh

“…This research was conducted in only two sub-districts, so it may not be representative of all backyard poultry raisers or veterinary care providers of Bangladesh. Nevertheless, since responses from our study participants are consistent with behaviors of care seekers and care providers in other Bangladeshi rural communities for poultry [ 45 , 46 ] and humans [ 17 , 41 ], these findings are likely applicable to other similar settings. Some government veterinary service providers were reluctant to share information and the team could not corroborate some of the assertions villagers or local care providers made.…”

Competing biosecurity and risk rationalities in the Chittagong poultry commodity chain, Bangladesh

“…Thus, contrary to what we might expect, investment in biosecurity could adversely affect a farmer's reputation. Anthropological studies support our findings among farmers: poor biosecurity, low risk perception, financial inability, but also emphasize the still vaguely understood phenomenon of 'inconvenience' (Rimi et al 2016(Rimi et al , 2017. Anthropologists piloted messages to increase awareness about avian influenza and its prevention in two rural communities, and explored change in villagers' awareness and behaviours attributable to the intervention.…”

Passive surveillance of clinical poultry diseases in an Upazila Government Veterinary Hospital of Bangladesh

“…The prevalence of colibacillosis, IBD and aspergillosis (Uddin et al, 2010;Choudhary et al, 2012;Hassan et al, 2016;Borah et al, 2017). The difference in disease prevalence between broiler and layer may be due to poor biosecurity management, vaccination failure, improper use of the vaccine, low vaccination success rate, education level of farmers, subclinical disease prevalence and geographical location (Hamid et al, 2017;Rimi et al, 2017;Rahman et al, 2019). In the present investigation, Newcastle disease was found in both broiler and layer chickens but the prevalence was significantly higher in layer chickens.…”