Biosecurity Principles Research Articles

Exploring biosecurity education through photovoice: student teachers’ perspectives on pests and diseases

ABSTRACT Background While photovoice is a commonly employed interactive and visual teaching technique in science education, its use in linking biological subjects to biosecurity challenges in culturally and ecologically diverse traditional places is still limited. Purpose This research utilizes photovoice to investigate the perspectives and experiences of student teachers regarding pests and diseases as biosecurity issues. Method Conducted in Bali, Indonesia, the study applied photovoice in an ecopedagogy class with 30 student teachers. The research approach included a three-week orientation, smartphone-based photography, and field tours to examine biosecurity concerns in subak rice terraces. During the field trip, students captured images using smartphones equipped with macro lenses and subsequently engaged in discussions to identify pictures related to pests and diseases. Rigorous coding and member-checking were employed to ensure the reliability of the collected data. Result The findings provide a comprehensive narrative and visual documentation of students’ perspectives on pests and diseases in subak rice terraces. Engaging in critical dialogues and reflections enhances students’ group-working skills, leading them to identify over a dozen pests and diseases, and demonstrate their biosecurity knowledge by using terms like ‘protection’, ‘monitoring’, ‘prevention’, and ‘eradication’. Conclusion Employing photovoice to highlight biological issues related to pest and disease threats emerges as a valuable strategy for future educators. This approach not only fosters an understanding of the interconnection between society and biology but also underscores the importance of biosecurity principles in safeguarding our economy, environment, and social well-being. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate cultural heritage and participative methodologies into biosecurity education in order to prepare future educators for real-world situations.

Delving into the Aftermath of a Disease-Associated Near-Extinction Event: A Five-Year Study of a Serpentovirus (Nidovirus) in a Critically Endangered Turtle Population.

Bellinger River virus (BRV) is a serpentovirus (nidovirus) that was likely responsible for the catastrophic mortality of the Australian freshwater turtle Myuchelys georgesi in February 2015. From November 2015 to November 2020, swabs were collected from turtles during repeated river surveys to estimate the prevalence of BRV RNA, identify risk factors associated with BRV infection, and refine sample collection. BRV RNA prevalence at first capture was significantly higher in M. georgesi (10.8%) than in a coexisting turtle, Emydura macquarii (1.0%). For M. georgesi, various risk factors were identified depending on the analysis method, but a positive BRV result was consistently associated with a larger body size. All turtles were asymptomatic when sampled and conjunctival swabs were inferred to be optimal for ongoing monitoring. Although the absence of disease and recent BRV detections suggests a reduced ongoing threat, the potential for the virus to persist in an endemic focus or resurge in cyclical epidemics cannot be excluded. Therefore, BRV is an ongoing potential threat to the conservation of M. georgesi, and strict adherence to biosecurity principles is essential to minimise the risk of reintroduction or spread of BRV or other pathogens.

An Assessment of the Impacts of Biosecurity Measures on Mortality of Fish from Fish Farms

Fish mortality has a significant impact on fish production by lowering fish productivity, causing an economic loss to the farmers, and also has a cost in terms of reduced fish health, thereby limiting the growth of the enterprise. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the impact of biosecurity measures and risk factors on the mortality of fish from fish farms. A structured questionnaire that focused on socioeconomic information, management practice, health, disease, and biosecurity measures was administered to fish farmers. A total of eighty fish farmers were involved in this study. Most of the fish farmers were male (70.00%), had tertiary education qualifications (60.00%), and were between the ages of 41 and 50 (37.50%). They had been engaged in fish farming for about 1-3 years (48.75%) and they combined it with poultry production. Varying mortality rates were recorded on the farm and the recorded mortality was associated with management practices, disease, health, and biosecurity measures and they differed significantly at P≤0.05. Fish farmers' practices were generally not in accordance with biosecurity principles. Therefore, it is crucial to create and implement biosecurity measures to prevent, manage, and eliminate the mortality of fish in fish farms.

A biosecurity survey on Iberian pig farms in Spain: Farmers' attitudes towards the implementation of measures and investment

The Iberian pork industry has proven to be very important in South-Western Europe, not only due its contribution to the economy of the area, but also because of the peculiarities of the farms situated there. These farms raise Iberian pigs in systems ranging from fully outdoor rearing systems to intensive-rearing farms similar to the conventional pig production models. The implementation of biosecurity measures in Iberian pig farms can be complex and, at times, it can be perceived somewhat negatively by farmers, especially those who run more extensive pig production systems. This research attempts to understand the attitudes of Iberian pig farmers in the South-West of Spain towards the adoption of and investment in biosecurity measures. For that purpose, data obtained from 104 online surveys taken by Iberian pig farmers in 2019 was analysed. A correspondence and a cluster analysis were performed, whereby three farm groups were identified according to their features (land area, breeding conditions, availability of facilities, etc.), the existence/use of biosecurity facilities and the adoption of biosecurity measures. The results have shown that most of the analysed farms have the necessary infrastructure to comply with the biosecurity principles and farmers perform basic biosecurity practices. However, farms that are more extensive, mainly those finishing their pigs outdoors (acorn-feed), need to improve their biosecurity. It is necessary therefore to implement an improvement plan following the current regulations in collaboration with policy makers with the purpose of improving the levels of biosecurity and increase disease risk awareness.

Biosecurity Education for the Next Generation

HighlightsYouth are agents for change in biosecurity practices.47 workshops introduced biosecurity principles to youth.The curriculum was tailored for nine animal species.Biosecurity education requires continued programming. Abstract. Biosecurity education for youth involved in animal agriculture is vital for the continued success of commerce in these industries. Biosecurity workshops were developed and delivered to youth in Minnesota to encourage positive changes, with long-term outcomes of healthier animals. Learning gains were significant for all participants, and the participants retained this knowledge over time. Most participants had good intentions of making changes because of the workshops, and follow-up survey results showed that the participants implemented changes, validating that youth are agents for behavior change. However, other indicators surfaced suggesting that continued programming is needed to encourage adoption of more biosecurity practices. Keywords: Animals, Biosecurity education, Youth.

COVID-19 Awareness and Preparedness of Minnesota and Wisconsin Dairy Farms

ABSTRACT Dairy farms that had participated in previous and ongoing projects with the National Farm Medicine Center (NFMC), Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN), and Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) were asked to participate in a 17-question survey by phone or email to investigate biosecurity principles on Minnesota and Wisconsin dairy farms in response to COVID-19 and the effects of the pandemic on the dairy industry. Three additional farms were recruited via a press release published in agricultural newsletters. Of 76 farms contacted, 37 chose to participate in this study from June to July 2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, dairies have implemented or increased biosecurity measures and COVID-19 precautions. Dairies reported adequate personal protective equipment for their workers, though face masks were not required on most dairies (n = 32, 86%). Producers were concerned about the safety of their families, maintaining a healthy workforce, and keeping their farms profitable. Access to healthcare was not perceived to be an issue for their workers. One-quarter of dairies reported COVID-19 infections on their farms. Even though the majority had an isolation protocol in place if someone on the farm were to become ill, less than half of respondents felt their farm was protected against COVID-19. Two-thirds of producers have not had to decrease production, and a majority of operations have not furloughed or terminated employees due to COVID-19. Our data suggest that dairy farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin have implemented biosecurity and safety measures in response to COVID-19. These measures can be improved. Farms would benefit from additional guidance and education on implementation of personal protective measures and disease prevention strategies to keep workers employed and safe.

114 An online course to teach and encourage equine biosecurity practices

To introduce horse owners, caretakers, and industry professionals to equine biosecurity concepts, the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension Equine Program offered a semi-self-paced, 6-week online certificate course. Our objective to improve content and its delivery was prompted by student feedback from year one before the second offering (January 2020 and January 2021, respectively). The Equine Biosecurity Online Certificate Course (EBOCC) used the Canvas learning management platform. To meet course objectives, adult learners viewed weekly asynchronous lectures on biosecurity concepts, practicing biosecurity at home and at shows/events, and communicating a biosecurity plan to clients and service providers. Weekly assignments alternated between discussion forums and a quiz to assess learning. Lecture notes and supportive resources (e.g., web articles or videos) were provided for each module. Students also wrote a biosecurity plan for their individual farm or horse ownership circumstance, prompted by 11 biosecurity principles. Knowledge gain was measured through pre- and post-course assessments and course satisfaction was considered through a course evaluation. The first offering resulted in knowledge gain ( P ≤ 0.0008) though course evaluations indicated improvements were necessary for future delivery. The non-traditional students struggled with Canvas course navigation and desired more applied uses for equine biosecurity. Improved user-experience was created for year 2 using Canvas design options. Weekly modules were further developed to include deeper biosecurity concepts and applied uses. Learners in year 2 also demonstrated knowledge gain ( P ≤ 0.0001) and greater course satisfaction (82%) compared with the first offering (67%). In total, 40 horse owners and industry professionals from 11 states and 5 countries (including the US) participated. The enrolled students personally owned 101 equids and cared for an additional 303 animals. Based on the information they learned, 93% of the students agreed or strongly agreed they would make at least one change in their horse operation or ownership with respect to biosecurity. Participants conveyed gratitude for the encouragement to write a biosecurity plan as part of their everyday management and disease preparedness, with 47% implementing at least one change before the course ending. Exposure to equine biosecurity through an online course provided students opportunity to increase knowledge and commit to biosecurity practices in the present and for the future. Utilizing course evaluations to constructively evaluate the delivery of this Extension course improved the impact of the lessons taught.

Antimicrobial Use, Residues, Resistance and Governance in the Food and Agriculture Sectors, Tanzania.

All infections are potentially curable as long as the etiological agents are susceptible to antimicrobials. The increased rate at which antimicrobials are becoming ineffective is a global health risk of increasing concern that threatens withdrawal of beneficial antimicrobials for disease control. The increased demand for food of animal origin, in particular eggs, meat and milk has led to intensification and commercial production systems where excessive use and misuse of antimicrobials may prevail. Antimicrobials, handled and used by farmers and animal attendants with no formal education, may be predisposed to incorrect dosages, misuse, incorrect applications and non-adherence to withdrawal periods. This study was conducted to assess the regulatory roles and governance of antimicrobials, establish the pattern and extent of their use, evaluate the antimicrobial residues and resistance in the food animals and crop agriculture value chains, and relate these findings to existing strategies in place for combating the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Tanzania. A multimethod approach (desk review, field study and interviews) was used. Relevant establishments were also visited. High levels of resistance to penicillin G, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and oxytetracycline have been reported, especially for Actinobacter pyogenes, Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus aureus from dairy cattle with mastitis and in humans. Similar trends were found in poultry where eggs and meat are contaminated with Escherichia coli strains resistant to amoxicillin + clavulanate, sulphamethoxazole and neomycin. An increasing trend of emerging multidrug resistant E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella was also found in food animals. An increase in methicillin resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in the livestock sector in Tanzania have been reported. The pathogens isolated in animals were resistant to ampicillin, augmentin, gentamicin, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, tylosin, erythromycin, cefuroxime, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. An increased usage of antimicrobials for prophylaxis, and therapeutics against pathogens and for growth promotion in livestock, aquaculture and crop production were observed. A One Health strategic approach is advocated to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food and agriculture sectors in Tanzania. Practical recommendations include (a) legislation review and implementation; (b) antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial residue (AR) awareness and advocacy among stakeholders along the value chain; (c) strengthening of surveillance and monitoring programs for AMU, AMR and AR; (d) enhanced development and use of rapid and innovative diagnostic tests and the promotion of biosecurity principles; and (e) good husbandry practices. The utilization of this information to improve public health policies and reduce the burden of AMR will be beneficial.

305 Awardee Talk: Transferring a culture of biosecurity to the feedmill

Abstract A culture of on-farm biosecurity has been established and practiced by modern swine production systems for many years. The value of this has been repeatedly demonstrated through improved animal health and performance based on the prevention of disease introduction to the herd. With the introduction of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) to the US swine industry in 2013, we have learned that feed and feed ingredients can be vectors of disease transmission. Therefore, there is a heightened need to transfer our on-farm biosecurity culture to our feedmills and entire feed supply chain as a way to help prevent disease introduction into swine farms. Feedmills are designed to efficiently and effectively blend feed components into a homogenous batch, and the potential to distribute contaminated feed to multiple farms is significant. While feed and ingredients can be vectors of disease and pathogen transmission, our data continues to show that people are a major risk for pathogen transmission throughout the feed supply chain. Key biosecurity principles such as exclusion, prevention, isolation, mitigation, disinfection, and containment should be adopted and enforced for a strong feedmill biosecurity program. A written feedmill biosecurity plan should be developed and a training program that covers all employees as well as visitors and delivery drivers should be implemented. Continuous risk assessment and environmental monitoring should be utilized to identify new areas of risk and to assess the current status. Unfortunately, feedmills are nearly impossible to completely disinfect and therefore every effort should be made to prevent the introduction of pathogens into the mill. Research that we have conducted with PEDV and African Swine Fever Virus has demonstrated that adopting a culture of biosecurity at the feedmill will reduce risk of disease and pathogen exposure on farms.

Biosecurity in endemic foot and mouth disease settings: a case study of foot and mouth disease vaccination in South-East Asia.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs. The disease is endemic in several parts of Asia, as well as most of Africa and the Middle East. In 1997, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) established the South-East Asia Foot and Mouth Disease Campaign with the aim of increasing livestock sector productivity and economic output through the control and eradication of FMD in South-East Asia. Large-scale vaccination of livestock against FMD has in the past led to the successful eradication (or control) of the disease, for example in the Philippines. However, despite the benefit associated with large-scale vaccination, biosecurity risks can be created by vaccination teams moving between locations. It is therefore recommended that biosecurity measures are used by vaccination teams to prevent inadvertent disease spread. The majority of existing guidelines are focused on high-risk situations such as exotic animal disease outbreaks in developed countries, or agents posing a risk to human health. This paper describes the development of novel biosecurity guidelines for vaccination teams in South-East Asia. To achieve this, available literature was scanned followed by in-country workshops and field-testing of draft materials. Entry and exit procedures are laid out within the context of five core rules that follow the biosecurity principles of situational awareness, segregation, cleaning and disinfection. Guidelines and accompanying fact sheets were translated into local languages and included in a comprehensive vaccination training programme for all vaccination teams undertaking cattle FMD vaccination programmes in the New Zealand OIE FMD control project target countries (Myanmar and Laos). The material developed has wide practical relevance to veterinarians, traditional healers and village or community animal health workers, who all pose a heightened risk of spreading infectious agents.

ASSOCIATING BIOSECURITY TO PREFERENCES

Poultry biosecurity refers to procedures used to prevent the introduction and spread of disease carrying organisms in poultry flocks. Literature shows that indigenous chickens are not produced in biosecure conditions raising risk profiles of zoonotic infections such as Campylobacter. Prior studies do not take cognizance of this biosecurity situation and fail to focus final consumers. This paper aims at associating biosecurity principles to consumer preferences for indigenous chickens. Primary data are collected from a population of 5,738 university students aged 18 years and above enrolled in campuses located in Kisumu City in Kenya in 2013. Out of 378 questionnaires sent out 281 useful questionnaires are returned. Respondent’s belief that biosecurity principles influence their behavioral intentions (preferences) is assessed using a summated scale. Spearman’s rank correlation reveals that both positive and negative consumer attitudes are significantly associated with consumer preferences. Respondents’ occupation, residence, marital status, and cultural inclination have significant positive association with consumer preferences. Biosecurity principles are significantly positively associated with consumer preferences, however, its magnitude is smaller than expected while its direction does not conform to literature. It is concluded that biosecurity principles are positively associated to consumer preferences. The study has managerial implications in agricultural marketing.

Reform on Knowledge and Skills of Clinical Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Among Chinese Medical Students

Laboratory workers deal with clinical specimens, the threat of exposure to occupational hazards, emerging infectious agents, and antimicrobial-resistant microbes. During student training, it is necessary to strengthen their knowledge and skills in the laboratory. Education covers a range of biosafety and biosecurity principles and practices. 642 medical students from different medicine professions were classified into two groups as research objects and controls to explore the teaching reform of laboratory biosafety, biosecurity theory and experimental courses. Teacher designed programe-based learning (PBL) covered microbiology laboratory biosafety incidents, laboratory training, and the methods used in man-machine interactions in clinical practice. From a four stage reform of laboratory biosafety theory and experimental teaching, the protective awareness of biosafety of the students was strengthened. Students could also run standardized, timely detection protocols and treat laboratory biological factors arising from emergencies and accidents in clinical practice. These increased the competency and proficiency among BSL laboratory users and guarantee adherence to stipulations on biosafety and biosecurity.

Determinants of adoption of biosecurity principles by poultry farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study assessed the determinant factors influencing the adoption of biosecurity principles by poultry farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The major objective was to determine poultry farmer awareness and adoption of various biosecurity principles. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data for the study were collected from 92 respondents, through the use of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistic (Logit regression analysis). The results revealed that majority of the poultry farmers were still within their productive and active age (M=47years), majority were well educated (M=15years) and majority (60 %) reared both broilers and layers. The study also showed that there was 100% awareness and trial of all the biosecurity principles under consideration The most adopted biosecurity principles with 100% adoption however, were provision of adequate ventilation, removal of dead birds, offering of good quality feed and water, vaccination and provision of proper medication. The result further revealed that respondents with larger number of birds (1.994), access to credit (1.715), frequent contact with extension agents (2.183) and access to training (2.083) had high propensity to adoption of biosecurity activities. The respondents perceived all the biosecurity principles under consideration as effective in preventing looses in their farms. They however, perceived the following constraints as severe constraints: inadequate capital (M=2.96), disease and parasites (M=2.97) and inadequate credit facility (M= 2.74). The study concludes that poultry farmers’ awareness of biosecurity activities was high, with moderate rate of adoption of the activities; they however, perceived biosecurity principles as effective means of preventing diseases infection.Keywords: Adoption, biosecurity principles, poultry, farmers

Biosecurity knowledge, attitudes and practices of farmers culturing yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, China

Biosecurity has been identified as a core concept for Asian freshwater aquaculture for purposes of food safety, aquaculture sustainability, and trade. To our knowledge, no published studies have evaluated producers' knowledge of biosecurity and biosecurity practices in Chinese aquaculture. We carried out a questionnaire-based knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey of farmers culturing yellow catfish in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces in China. Yellow catfish is a freshwater fish with high market value, and is mostly cultured in ponds on small-scale farms. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate biosecurity practices currently applied on those freshwater farms. Eighty-seven farmers in Guandong (n=44) and Zhejang (n=43) were interviewed, and 50 (57.5%) farmers completed responses to all KAP questions. Demographics of participating farmers and their responses to each question were described. We developed a KAP index to categorize and subcategorize KAP questions, and assigned scores to farmers' original answers to each question. Every farmer was evaluated with both numeric scores for their farm-level biosecurity and with score categories of “Good” (≥75%), “Fair” (50% to 75%), and “Poor” (<50%). Results of this study indicated that: (1) farmers' basic knowledge of pathogens was good, but their understanding of pathogen transmission was limited; (2) overall scores for attitude towards biosecurity were slightly higher than practices scores, although they were still relatively low; and (3) all farmers were classified as poor or fair for their compliance with overall farm-level biosecurity measures. Our findings showed that: farmers' practices were mostly not in compliance with the principles of biosecurity, especially in regards to prevention of pathogen introduction and spread; and the inconsistencies between practices and attitudes indicated that it may be feasible to improve farmer's implementation of aquatic biosecurity at the farm level. Biosecurity concepts evaluated in the study were based on salmonid aquaculture and their relevance to biosecurity measures of catfish aquaculture in China should be explored in future research. We recommend that current farm-level biosecurity practices in finfish aquaculture in China be improved through investment in education and training, in collaboration with academic and industry partners. Statement of relevanceChinese yellow catfish producers need additional guidance on the importance and implementation of biosecurity principles for pond systems.

Devolved Responsibility and On‐Farm Biosecurity: Practices of Biosecure Farming Care in Livestock Production

AbstractInternational efforts to prevent the spread of biological threats to agro‐food production are increasingly being devolved from national governments to farming industries and farmers. Previous research has highlighted the farm‐level and institutional challenges in engaging farmers in biosecurity. However, little is known sociologically about what farmers already know and do to manage disease risk, and specifically how they practice biosecurity. This article addresses this issue through the application of theoretical work on the choreography of care. Drawing from a qualitative study of biosecurity in the Australian beef industry, we argue that farmers’ localised practices of caring for their herd health and farm are crucial in making biosecurity workable. These practices take two key forms: skilled craftwork, through which farmers construct and hold together different objects and elements of care; and fluid engineering, which involves efforts to construct barriers for separating on‐farm practices of care from perceived off‐farm disease risks. In engaging in these care practices, farmers make an important contribution to national livestock biosecurity principles and practices. We argue that greater recognition of localised practices of biosecure care may provide the basis for engaging farmers more effectively in a devolved form of biosecurity governance.

Aquatic Animal Biosecurity: A Case Study of Bioexclusion of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus in an Atlantic Salmon Hatchery

Few papers focus on the application of biosecurity principles to the daily operations at aquatic facilities. This discussion will address the gap by presenting a case study idealized from a real-life situation. A large North American salmon farm company requested assistance to prevent the introduction of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) into one of its Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) hatcheries. A systematic, disciplined approach was used that included risk assessment and infectious disease control principles. The hatchery’s operations were analyzed for potential pathogen (VHSV) introduction using knowledge of the facility’s physical layout and the operational process flow. Possible routes of introduction were identified by tracing the typical movements of animals (fish, eggs), water, fomites, vectors, and feed. Mitigation measures for identified gaps were proposed that were based on pathogen characteristics.

Improving Smallholder Farmer Biosecurity in the Mekong Region Through Change Management.

Transboundary animal diseases including foot-and-mouth disease and haemorrhagic septicaemia remain a major constraint for improving smallholder large ruminant productivity in the Mekong region, producing negative impacts on rural livelihoods and compromising efforts to reduce poverty and food insecurity. The traditional husbandry practices of smallholders largely exclude preventive health measures, increasing risks of disease transmission. Although significant efforts have been made to understand the social aspects of change development in agricultural production, attention to improving the adoption of biosecurity has been limited. This study reviews smallholder biosecurity risk factors identified in the peer-reviewed literature and from field research observations conducted in Cambodia and Laos during 2006-2013, considering these in the context of a change management perspective aimed at improving adoption of biosecurity measures. Motivation for change, resistance to change, knowledge management, cultural dimensions, systems theory and leadership are discussed. Due to geographical, physical and resource variability, the implementation of biosecurity interventions suitable for smallholders is not a 'one size fits all'. Smallholders should be educated in biosecurity principles and empowered to make personal decisions rather than adopt prescribed pre-defined interventions. Biosecurity interventions should be aligned with smallholder farmer motivations, preferably offering clear short-term risk management benefits that elicit interest from smallholders. Linking biosecurity and disease control with improved livestock productivity provides opportunities for sustainable improvements in livelihoods. Participatory research and extension that improves farmer knowledge and practices offers a pathway to elicit sustainable broad-scale social change. However, examples of successes need to be communicated both at the 'evidence-based level' to influence regional policy development and at the village or commune level, with 'champion farmers' and 'cross-visits' used to lead local change. The adoption of applied change management principles to improving regional biosecurity may assist current efforts to control and eradicate transboundary diseases in the Mekong region.

Validating Biosecurity Principles for Indigenous Chicken Scale

Indigenous chicken are populous in most developing countries, supporting the livelihoods of many rural folks yet are produced under very low or no biosecurity principles, leading to low productivity. Consumers on the contrary, exhibit high preferences for indigenous chicken. The research question was: what are the consumer attitudes on biosecurity principles for indigenous chicken? The aim of the study was to validate a psychometric scale to measure consumer attitudes on biosecurity principles for indigenous chicken. The sub-aims were to reduce scale so it clearly measures the constructs and to test one hypothesis: H0: There are no significant consumer attitudes on biosecurity principles for indigenous chicken in Kisumu City, Kenya. Starting from a 74-item with 4:1 subject to item ratio biosecurity principles for indigenous chicken scale constructed using Fishbein’s Multiattribute model, the hypothesis was tested on pilot data gathered from 300 students of a large university in Kisumu County, Kenya using maximum likelihood factor analysis. Reliabilities for each biosecurity principle ranged from α=.817 to α=.817 respectively. Initial KMO were low ranging between .519 to .595 but improved significantly after refining the scale. Only one factor was extracted from each principle based on theory. Each extracted factor explained variances ranging from 25.099% to 34.307% respectively, though <50 percent. A total of 37 items loaded on these four factors with respect to the four biosecurity principles. The factor matrices for each extracted factor were significant at p=.000 and p<.05 respectively. Thus the null hypothesis was rejected. The results can further be confirmed in subsequent studies.

A cross-sectional study on biosecurity practices and communication networks of poultry exhibition in Australia

Poultry exhibitors are perceived to pose a biosecurity risk due to the high frequency of movements of birds and the close contact between birds at poultry shows. This cross-sectional study assessed the risks posed by poultry exhibitors in Australia using face-to-face interviews (n=46) at eight poultry shows and a postal survey. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations between age, sex, location, number of birds, number of shows attended per year and distance travelled to a show, with biosecurity and communication practices. A total of 357 (29.1%) exhibitors responded to the postal survey. Among all participants (n=403), most had owned poultry for more than 15 years (71.9%), kept less than 200 birds (83.4%), mainly chicken (96.7%) and waterfowl (17.8%), and reported not having any commercial poultry operation within 5km of their property (85.4%). Despite most exhibitors (90.8%) having at least some knowledge of biosecurity principles; some of their practices could pose a risk for disease introduction and spread. Most exhibitors kept their birds with outdoor access (87.0%) and 67.0% of exhibitors reported contact of wild birds with domestic birds being possible. Only 60% and 40.6% of exhibitors cleaned transport cages after each use and isolated birds for over two weeks, respectively, with men and exhibitors keeping more birds less likely (P=0.003) to conduct this practice. Most exhibitors (75.0%) attended more than 5 shows per year, travelling long distances (up to 1000km) to attend a show. Although most exhibitors would source and sell their birds from and to other exhibitors and at poultry shows, some reported sourcing (15.2%) and selling (25.3%) their birds at live bird markets. In addition, contact with veterinarians was low (23.1%), with younger exhibitors and women more likely to contact a veterinarian than older exhibitors (P=0.006) and men (P=0.017). Other poultry exhibitors were reported as the most useful source of information, followed by the poultry club, the veterinarian and Internet. Less than a quarter of exhibitors perceived the government agencies as a useful source of information. Newspapers, newsletters, emails and websites were the preferred methods of information delivery. However, information seeking behaviour was found to differ significantly (P<0.05) among gender and different age groups. Differing biosecurity, health and communication practices among poultry exhibitors found in this study need to be considered for the development of successful biosecurity extension and communication programmes.

Biosecurity measures for backyard poultry in developing countries: a systematic review

BackgroundPoultry represents an important sector in animal production, with backyard flocks representing a huge majority, especially in the developing countries. In these countries, villagers raise poultry to meet household food demands and as additional sources of incomes. Backyard production methods imply low biosecurity measures and high risk of infectious diseases, such as Newcastle disease or zoonosis such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).We reviewed literature on biosecurity practices for prevention of infectious diseases, and published recommendations for backyard poultry and assessed evidence of their impact and feasibility, particularly in developing countries. Documents were sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) website, and from Pubmed and Google databases.ResultsA total of 62 peer-reviewed and non-referred documents were found, most of which were published recently (after 2004) and focused on HPAI/H5N1-related biosecurity measures (64%). Recommendations addressed measures for flock management, feed and water management, poultry trade and stock change, poultry health management and the risk to humans. Only one general guideline was found for backyard poultry-related biosecurity; the other documents were drawn up for specific developing settings and only engaged their authors (e.g. consultants). These national guidelines written by consultants generated recommendations regarding measures derived from the highest standards of commercial poultry production. Although biosecurity principles of isolation and containment are described in most documents, only a few documents were found on the impact of measures in family poultry settings and none gave any evidence of their feasibility and effectiveness for backyard poultry.ConclusionsGiven the persistent threat posed by HPAI/H5N1 to humans in developing countries, our findings highlight the importance of encouraging applied research toward identifying sustained and adapted biosecurity measures for smallholder poultry flocks in low-income countries.