Abstract
The ongoing circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 poses a threat to both poultry and public health. Adapting the constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework, we investigated perceptions of backyard, commercial broiler and layer chicken farmers to implement HPAI prevention and control measures in Bangladesh. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2016 and 2017 on 144 backyard, 106 broiler and 113 layer chicken farms. Using Structural Equation Modelling, we modelled the direct and indirect effects on farmers' perceptions on taking HPAI prevention and control actions. Our results indicate that farmers of different chicken production systems have different decision-making processes. While perceived barriers to the implementation of prevention and control measures (e.g. wearing protective equipment when handling chickens) prevented both broiler and backyard farmers to adopt interventions, perceived benefits of measures (e.g. maintaining high biosecurity will reduce the risk of birds becoming sick) strongly influenced commercial farmers' decisions, but not backyard farmers' decisions. Information provided on HPAI through media, meetings or via information campaigns played an important role in farmers' decision-making in all production systems. Outcomes of this research can be used to tailor advice on HPAI control and prevention to different poultry farming groups by accounting for specific factors influencing their decision-making, instead of using one-size-fit-all communication approach.
Highlights
INTRODUCTION Highly Pathogenic AvianInfluenza (HPAI) H5N1 was first reported in 1959 on a small poultry farm in Scotland, UK (Capua & Alexander, 2007)
The combined efforts from national and international communities resulted in the elimination of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a number of countries, the virus remains endemic in Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Vietnam (FAO, 2011, 2013; OIE, 2019b)
Disease monitoring and surveillance are essential for the early detection of HPAI H5N1 in order to trigger a rapid response to reduce the viral load in poultry and in the environment (FAO, 2011, 2013; OIE, 2019c)
Summary
INTRODUCTION Highly Pathogenic AvianInfluenza (HPAI) H5N1 was first reported in 1959 on a small poultry farm in Scotland, UK (Capua & Alexander, 2007). A long-term approach was recommended by FAO/OIE in 2008 to eliminate HPAI H5N1 virus circulation in these endemically infected countries. It includes disease monitoring and surveillance, stamping out, the application of country-adjusted preventive measures (e.g. vaccination) and improved biosecurity measures (FAO, 2011; OIE,2019c). Stamping out of HPAI H5N1 infected flocks has only been partly successful in endemically infected countries, as moving or selling poultry by farmers before culling takes place, and the absence or inadequate compensation mechanisms are major constraints to control and prevention programs (FAO, 2011, 2013; OIE, 2019c; USDA, 2017).
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