ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL POULTRY HEALTH, BIOSECURITY RISKS, FARMERS’ MEDIA USE, ACCESS AND UNDERSTANDING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA COMMUNICATION MATERIALS
ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL POULTRY HEALTH, BIOSECURITY RISKS, FARMERS’ MEDIA USE, ACCESS AND UNDERSTANDING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA COMMUNICATION MATERIALS
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2010-03
Authors
ASSAM, Assam
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The study assessed local poultry health through testing for avian influenza virus, antibodies to avian influenza, Newcastle and Gumboro disease; internal and external parasites. It also assessed local poultry farmers’ biosecurity risks by appraising farmers’ knowledge, beliefs and practices on avian influenza; their media use, access and understanding of avian influenza communication materials. Seventy-two pooled cloacal and oro-pharyngeal swabs and 264 blood samples were collected from local poultry and 200 questionnaires administered to local poultry farmers. Swabs were analysed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; sera by agar gel immunodiffusion and haemagglutination inhibition tests. Avian influenza antigen prevalence was 1.4%. Mean antibody titre and prevalence of Newcastle disease were 2.74 ± 0.28 log2 and 48.5 % respectively. About 68.7 % of chickens had antibody titre <4 log2 with 42.9 % having titre ≥ 7 log2. Newcastle disease prevalence rates in ducks and turkeys were 47.8% and 66 % respectively. All local poultry were negative for avian influenza but 55.3 % had antibodies to Gumboro disease. Lice and mites were identified in all villages and endoparasites were prevalent in 72.7 % of sampled villages. Mean packed cell volume of chickens, ducks and turkeys were 29.09 ± 0.46, 35 ± 1.68, 36.75 ± 2.00 % respectively. Knowledge on transmission and prevention of avian influenza was high but low on disease recognition. Farmers believe avian influenza cannot be prevented and engage in risky behaviours but practice only biosecurity measures that will not incur cost. Radio and television were appropriate media for dissemination of agricultural information to farmers but were ineffective at educating farmers with Islamic education. Television was better at articulating avian influenza risk perception. Billboards and posters had high viewership and were easily understood by farmers. Distribution of avian Influenza educational materials among farmers was poor. Influenza A virus is circulating among local ducks in Dan Gaiya village. Local poultry are exposed to continuous challenge from fowl pox, Newcastle and Gumboro diseases. Local poultry are highly susceptible to Newcastle disease which is likely to be mistaken for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Surveillance team should be sent to Dan Gaiya and Yar Kasuwa villages. Avian influenza control in local poultry should incorporate Newcastle and Gumboro diseases control. State radio and television should increase broadcast of avian influenza programs. Muslim youths should be engaged for avian influenza advocacy within the Muslim communities. For effective community participation on avian influenza control, a community dialogue system should be established.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OFTHE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY SURGERY AND MEDICINE, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY , ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
ASSESSMENT,, BIOSECURITY RISKS,, FARMERS’ MEDIA USE,, ACCESS,, AVIAN INFLUENZA,, POULTRY HEALTH,