Examining the control of bird flu risks among Nigerian poultry producers: implication for effectiveness of biosecurity knowledge, attitude, and practices (EBKAP)

Abstract

This study examined socio-economic and behavioral factors affecting Nigerian poultry producers' biosecurity practices in terms of knowledge about bird flu symptoms, beliefs about safe practices, and handling products as well as perception on disease risk transmission. The study is a result of incidence of bird flu in Nigeria, which affected the livelihood of poultry producers. The study used a survey design. The choice of location and population of study (Kano, Lagos, and Anambra states) was based on bird flu disease risk map and population of small-scale poultry farmers in Nigeria. The study used both descriptive and causal analytical tools to achieve the specific objectives of the study. The major findings were that producers with higher knowledge were able to make more informed and rational assessment of true disease spread risks, KAP indices are not important in explaining the actual biosecurity decisions of the Nigerian producers. The study also found that adoption of biosecurity actions depends on flock size (which related to income), educational level of farmers, and incidence of bird flu previously in the area. In addition, smaller and poorer producers adopt fewer biosecurity actions, thus they are considered to be riskier in terms of disease transmission. The study therefore, recommended among other things a well-planned education programs to improve knowledge of bird flu symptoms, nature of disease, how to prevent and control them especially the small-scale poultry producers. This is likely to improve overall good practices of handling poultry and reduce the risk of disease spread of a variety of poultry diseases as well as the health consequences it poses to both animals and humans.

Awareness of poultry farmers on biosafety practices against infectious diseases in Kano State, Nigeria

“…This could also be because hand washing after using the toilet is a general human hygiene factor against diseases prevention. This result is in line with that of Okpukpara (2016), that poultry farmers may be aware of some biosecurity and at the same time may not be aware of the subcomponents supporting each. The implication of biosecurity cleaning practices on infectious diseases of poultry is that it is indispensable to the success of any poultry production without which there will be low production, economic losses coupled with socio-psychological damages on the lives of farmers.…”

Digitization of agricultural extension system for effective management of emergency in Nigeria

“…When Avian Influenza affected parts of Africa, the extension system had a transfer mode to understanding the knowledge and practices of farmers (Elelu, 2017). During the Nigerian Bird Flu, extension personnel were involved in helping the poultry workers reduce the spread of the disease (Okpukpara, 2016). This is an example of the productive deployment of extension workers in the time of disease outbreak.…”