Awareness of Poultry Farmers on Biosafety Practices Against Infectious Diseases in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the awareness level of poultry farmers on biosafety practices on infectious diseases in Kano state, Nigeria. A two stage sampling procedure was used on 166 respondents with structured questionnaire. Majority were males (99.4%), married (73.5%), with No-formal education (30.7%). Average: age of 45.0 year, monthly income of N199, 894.54k, household size of 10 persons and flock size is 500.14 birds. Greater proportion claimed no extension contact (71.7%). Main source of awareness is Mass Media (48.8%). Based on awareness of biosafety practices: in Cleaning only low pressure washer (=1.602) and hand washing after toileting (=1.789) were known, in Disinfection only covering feeds in the store (=1.560), Manure management (=1.608) and removal of dead carcasses (=1.530) were known while in Segregation & Traffic Control all subcomponents were known except; banning keeping of birds at home (=1.114), exclusion of rodents & wild birds (=1.054) and presence of Buffer Areas around the farm (=1.000). Majority claimed very low level of awareness (81.9%). Major constraints were complexity of the biosecurity, inadequate capital (93.4%) and high cost of the biosafety practices (83.1%). Awareness level should be improved through farmers’ group and more extension services involvement.