Interaction Between Humans and Poultry, Rural Cambodia

Sowath Ly,Davun Holl,Yves Froehlich,Sirenda Vong,Maria D Van Kerkhove

doi:10.3201/eid1301.061014

Abstract

Because avian influenza H5N1 infection risks are associated with exposure to infected poultry, we conducted a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey of poultry-handling behavior among villagers in rural Cambodia. Despite widespread knowledge of avian influenza and personal protection measures, most rural Cambodians still have a high level of at-risk poultry handling.

Highlights

The circulation of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (AI) strain throughout Asia since late 2003 [1], and more recently in Europe and Africa, has resulted in considerable concern for the potential of a new pandemic
Most Cambodians live in rural areas and raise animals for consumption [2], typically keeping poultry, swine, or cattle close to the home
Because H5N1 infection has been associated with exposure to infected poultry [5,6,7,8,9,10] and little is understood of the perceptions of rural farmers regarding AI [11], we conducted a knowledge, attitude, and practices survey of poultry handling in rural Cambodia to estimate the extent of interactions between humans and poultry, to understand practices in poultry handling among villagers, and to develop interventions designed to increase reports of poultry deaths and safe poultry handling

Summary

Introduction

The circulation of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (AI) strain throughout Asia since late 2003 [1], and more recently in Europe and Africa, has resulted in considerable concern for the potential of a new pandemic. Because H5N1 infection has been associated with exposure to infected poultry [5,6,7,8,9,10] and little is understood of the perceptions of rural farmers regarding AI [11], we conducted a knowledge, attitude, and practices survey of poultry handling in rural Cambodia to estimate the extent of interactions between humans and poultry, to understand practices in poultry handling among villagers, and to develop interventions designed to increase reports of poultry deaths and safe poultry handling.

Results

Conclusion