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Zanon T, Alrhmoun M, Gauly M. Assessing the impact of biosecurity practices and animal welfare in small-scale mountain dairy farming. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13294. [PMID: 38858560 PMCID: PMC11164905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study estimates the association between the level of biosecurity, animal welfare, milk quality, and economic performance on 2291 mountain dairy farms which largely differs in management and structure from large dairy operations in the lowlands mainly due to climatic and topographic constraints in mountain areas. The dairy industry's increasing emphasis on biosecurity is crucial for ensuring animal health, productivity, and disease mitigation. Therefore, in the present study the biosecurity and animal welfare status of mountain dairy farms were assessed considering the official welfare protocol for dairy cows of the Italian ClassyFarm system. Our findings reveal a suboptimal adoption of biosecurity measures, attributed to structural limitations in mountain farms and farmers' awareness gaps. Despite these challenges, the economic significance of biosecurity adoption is evident, emphasizing potential benefits for farm viability and animal health. Conversely, the study indicates a moderate to good welfare status in assessed farms, reflecting farmers' awareness of the importance of high welfare standards for dairy cows. Improved welfare positively correlates with milk sales and productivity, highlighting the economic advantages of prioritizing animal well-being. Challenges persist, particularly regarding animal housing deficiencies and related consumer concerns about animal welfare in dairy production. Therefore, targeted interventions and educational initiatives are crucial to empower farmers and promote best practices in biosecurity and animal welfare management. However, addressing resultant production cost increases necessitates society's willingness to pay more for animal-based food, emphasizing the importance of aligning economic incentives with sustainable farming practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zanon
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Mousaab Alrhmoun
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Matthias Gauly
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
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Amalraj A, Van Meirhaeghe H, Lefort AC, Rousset N, Grillet J, Spaans A, Devesa A, Sevilla-Navarro S, Tilli G, Piccirillo A, Żbikowski A, Kovács L, Kovács-Weber M, Chantziaras I, Dewulf J. Factors Affecting Poultry Producers' Attitudes towards Biosecurity. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1603. [PMID: 38891650 PMCID: PMC11171345 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Poultry producers' attitudes towards biosecurity practices were assessed by using the ADKAR® (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement) behavioral change model. Conventional poultry producers (n = 155) from different production types including broilers (n = 35), layers (n = 22), breeders (n = 24), turkeys (n = 19), ducks (n = 23), free-range broilers (n = 11), free-range layers (n = 11), and hatcheries (n = 10) from seven European countries were scored for each ADKAR element (1 = total absence to 5 = perfect fulfilment). Each country performed selected interventions (e.g., coaching, participatory meetings, etc.) to improve biosecurity compliance. After the interventions, significant change was observed in three of the four attitude elements. The overall mean scores (x¯ ± SD) obtained during the initial assessment (n = 130) were 4.2 ± 0.6 for Awareness, 4.1 ± 0.7 for Desire, 3.8 ± 0.8 for Knowledge, and 4.0 ± 0.7 for Ability, whereas after intervention, the scores were A = 4.3 ± 0.6, D = 4.2 ± 0.7, K = 4.1 ± 0.7, and Ab = 4.1 ± 0.7. The Reinforcement component was only evaluated after the change and obtained a score of 3.7 ± 0.7 on average. Identifying the elements influencing poultry producers and their behavior related to farm management decisions was useful in guiding our educational interventions to effectively change their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Amalraj
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (J.D.)
| | | | - Anne-Christine Lefort
- ITAVI, Institut Technique de l’Aviculture, Pisciculture et Cuniculture, 75009 Paris, France; (A.-C.L.); (N.R.); (J.G.)
| | - Nathalie Rousset
- ITAVI, Institut Technique de l’Aviculture, Pisciculture et Cuniculture, 75009 Paris, France; (A.-C.L.); (N.R.); (J.G.)
| | - Justine Grillet
- ITAVI, Institut Technique de l’Aviculture, Pisciculture et Cuniculture, 75009 Paris, France; (A.-C.L.); (N.R.); (J.G.)
| | | | - Aitor Devesa
- Poultry Health Centre of Catalonia and Aragon (CESAC), 43206 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), 12539 Castellón, Spain;
| | - Sandra Sevilla-Navarro
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), 12539 Castellón, Spain;
| | - Giuditta Tilli
- Vetworks BV, Knokstraat 36, 9880 Aalter, Belgium; (H.V.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Artur Żbikowski
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - László Kovács
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Mobile Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary;
- Poultry-Care Kft., H-5052 Újszász, Hungary
| | - Mária Kovács-Weber
- Department of Animal Husbandry Technology and Welfare, Institute of Animal Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (J.D.)
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Bushra A, Rokon-Uz-Zaman M, Rahman AS, Runa MA, Tasnuva S, Peya SS, Parvin MS, Islam MT. Biosecurity, health and disease management practices among the dairy farms in five districts of Bangladesh. Prev Vet Med 2024; 225:106142. [PMID: 38364460 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Herd health management is a planned program to optimize health, welfare, and production of dairy cows. A cross-sectional study focused on herd health management of dairy farms, was carried out to assess the biosecurity, health, and disease management practices with associated socio-demographic factors. A structured questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions was employed for farmers' interviews to acquire information on dairy farms. Data were collected from randomly selected 205 dairy farms in five districts (Dhaka-Savar, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Rangpur, and Sirajganj) of Bangladesh. Overall, 1.5% farms had "good", 17% had "moderate" and 81.5% had "poor" levels of biosecurity, health and disease management practices (BHDMP). Analysis of variance revealed that mean BHDMP scores were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in farms of Rangpur (27.6 ± 0.8) and Gazipur (26.7 ± 0.6) than those of the other three districts. Educational status had a significant effect on BHDMP scores. The farms owned by graduated farmers had the highest mean BHDMP score (30.4 ± 1.1) while the farms operated by illiterate farmers had the lowest BHDMP score (20.4 ± 0.4). Multiple linear regression analysis also revealed that educational status (secondary to post-graduation), training experience, area of study (Rangpur district), and herd size were significantly associated with BHDMP score of the farms. The findings lay a basis for improving dairy farms' biosecurity, health and disease management practices, which further envisage the adoption and implementation of herd health management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anica Bushra
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rokon-Uz-Zaman
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | | | - Monika Akter Runa
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Tasnuva
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Samia Sharmin Peya
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Sonia Parvin
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Taohidul Islam
- Population Medicine and AMR Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
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Ferreira JS, Baccili CC, Nemoto BS, Vieira FK, Sviercoski LM, Ienk T, Pagno JT, Gomes V. Biosecurity practices in the dairy farms of southern Brazil. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1326688. [PMID: 38601907 PMCID: PMC11004291 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1326688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Biosecurity refers to a set of practices that prevents and/or controls the introduction, spread, and elimination of harmful biological agents in a production system. In this study, we aimed to survey the biosecurity practices and determine their correlation with the size of production systems. A biosecurity assessment form was provided to 69 farms in the Campos Gerais region of Paraná, Brazil. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: general and bovine viral diarrhea virus- and bovine herpesvirus type-1-specific sections. The general section covered topics on traffic control, quarantine and animal isolation, hygiene practices, carcass disposal, and disease monitoring/control. The specific section consisted of questions on the reproductive and respiratory factors, use of antimicrobials, and vaccination schedule. The 69 farms were also classified into small (≤ 61), medium (62-201), and large (≥ 202) size farms based on the number of lactating cows. Moreover, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed between the biosecurity measures and farm size. The main risk factors and variability were related to the traffic control of people, animals, and vehicles/equipment, animal quarantine/isolation, and hygiene practices. MCA revealed that the small farms exhibited a lack of biosecurity measures, including those related to traffic control, animal quarantine, and hygiene. In medium-size farms, contact between bovine animals of different ages and difficulty in animal isolation in the quarantine system were among the main risk factors. In contrast, isolation of sick animals was easy, but the need to frequently purchase cattle was an important risk factor in large farms. These results highlight the relationship between biosecurity measures and farm size, providing valuable insights for the development of better biosecurity plans for production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaína Santos Ferreira
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Costa Baccili
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz S. Nemoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Tanaane Ienk
- Frísia Cooperative Agroindustrial, Carambeí, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Viviani Gomes
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Dhaka P, Chantziaras I, Vijay D, Singh M, Bedi JS, Caekebeke N, Dewulf J. Situation Analysis and Recommendations for the Biosecurity Status of Dairy Farms in Punjab, India: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3458. [PMID: 38003077 PMCID: PMC10668703 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Farm biosecurity is an important herd management strategy to assure infection prevention and animal health. The present study aimed to evaluate the implementation of biosecurity measures on dairy farms in Punjab, India, using the standardized Biocheck.UGent™ scoring system. Convenience sampling was used to select 94 dairy farms, comprising both cattle and buffaloes, with a mean herd size of 74.8 animals. The study found that the mean external and internal biosecurity scores for the selected dairy farms were 45.4% and 43.7%, respectively. Among the subcategories, the highest external biosecurity score was observed for 'vermin control and other animals' (63%), and the highest internal biosecurity score was observed for 'adult cattle management' (76.6%). Whereas the lowest score for external biosecurity was observed for 'purchase and reproduction' (30.6%), and the lowest score for internal biosecurity was observed for 'health management' (33.6%). The overall mean biosecurity score of the present study was 44.8%, which was lower than the overall mean global score of 52%. The correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between herd size and overall biosecurity scores, indicating that larger farms had, on average, higher biosecurity scores. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the implementation of biosecurity measures on dairy farms in Punjab needs improvement, especially in the subcategories of 'purchase and reproduction' and 'health management'. Further research to identify the factors influencing the implementation of biosecurity measures on dairy farms in the region is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Dhaka
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (N.C.); (J.D.)
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 141004, India; (D.V.); (M.S.); (J.S.B.)
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (N.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Deepthi Vijay
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 141004, India; (D.V.); (M.S.); (J.S.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Thrissur 680651, India
| | - Manmeet Singh
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 141004, India; (D.V.); (M.S.); (J.S.B.)
| | - Jasbir Singh Bedi
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 141004, India; (D.V.); (M.S.); (J.S.B.)
| | - Nele Caekebeke
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (N.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (N.C.); (J.D.)
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Arede M, Beltrán-Alcrudo D, Aliyev J, Chaligava T, Keskin I, Markosyan T, Morozov D, Oste S, Pavlenko A, Ponea M, Starciuc N, Zdravkova A, Raizman E, Casal J, Allepuz A. Examination of critical factors influencing ruminant disease dynamics in the Black Sea Basin. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1174560. [PMID: 37808108 PMCID: PMC10557248 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1174560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ruminant production in the Black Sea basin (BSB) is critical for national economies and the subsistence of rural populations. Yet, zoonoses and transboundary animal diseases (TADs) are limiting and threatening the sector. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, this study characterizes key aspects of the ruminant sector in nine countries of the BSB, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Methods We selected six priority ruminant diseases (anthrax, brucellosis, Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), lumpy skin disease (LSD), and peste des petits ruminants (PPR)) that are present or threaten to emerge in the region. Standardized questionnaires were completed by a network of focal points and supplemented with external sources. We examined country and ruminant-specific data such as demographics, economic importance, and value chains in each country. For disease-specific data, we analysed the sanitary status, management strategies, and temporal trends of the selected diseases. Results and discussion The shift from a centrally planned to a market economy, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, restructured the ruminant sector. This sector played a critical role in rural livelihoods within the BSB. Yet, it faced significant challenges such as the low sustainability of pastoralism, technological limitations, and unregistered farms. Additionally, ruminant health was hindered by informal animal trade as a result of economic factors, insufficient support for the development of formal trade, and socio-cultural drivers. In the Caucasus and Türkiye, where diseases were present, improvements to ruminant health were driven by access to trading opportunities. Conversely, European countries, mostly disease-free, prioritized preventing disease incursion to avoid a high economic burden. While international initiatives for disease management are underway in the BSB, there is still a need for more effective local resource allocation and international partnerships to strengthen veterinary health capacity, protect animal health and improve ruminant production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Arede
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Beltrán-Alcrudo
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jeyhun Aliyev
- Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Tengiz Chaligava
- Veterinary Department, National Food Agency, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Ipek Keskin
- Veterinary Control Central Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Tigran Markosyan
- Scientific Centre for Risk Assessment and Analysis in Food Safety Area, Ministry of Agriculture, Nubarashen, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Dmitry Morozov
- Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, Vitebsk, Belarus
| | - Sarah Oste
- University Institute of Technology Nancy-Brabois, Lorraine University, Villers-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Andrii Pavlenko
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihai Ponea
- National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Starciuc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State Agrarian University of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova
| | | | - Eran Raizman
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jordi Casal
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Allepuz
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Chowdhury T, Ahmed J, Hossain MT, Roy MC, Ashik‐Uz‐Zaman M, Uddin MN, Rahman MM, Kabir MG, Hossain FMA. Knowledge, attitudes and biosecurity practices among the small-scale dairy farmers in Sylhet district, Bangladesh. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2221-2229. [PMID: 37418347 PMCID: PMC10508524 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of zoonosis, Bangladesh's small-scale dairying is yet to frame satisfactory levels due to poor biosecurity practices. OBJECTIVES This study intended to reveal the degree of knowledge, attitudes and biosecurity practices among Sylhet district, Bangladesh's small-scale dairy farmers. We also focused on the association between biosecurity practices and the incidence of non-specific enteritis in humans. METHODS A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on the farmers' KAP via personal interviews of 15 farmers from the randomly selected fifteen small-scale dairy farms. The questionnaire was developed with 6 questions for knowledge, 6 questions for attitude and 12 questions for the practice of biosecurity measures. Alongside that, data on the number of non-specific enteritis cases experienced by the farmers or their family members were also recorded. Spearman correlation was used to find out the correlation among KAP variables and between practice scores and non-specific enteritis incidences. RESULTS We found an insignificant (p > 0.05) influence of demographic characteristics over knowledge, attitude and biosecurity practices. Significant (p < 0.05) and strong correlations were found in knowledge-attitude (r = 0.65), knowledge-practice (r = 0.71) and attitude-practice (r = 0.64). Incidences of non-specific enteritis and biosecurity measures' practice were also strongly correlated (r = -0.9232) and statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that increasing knowledge and developing a good attitude are necessary to increase the adaptation of biosecurity measures as three of these factors are correlated. Moreover, farm biosecurity measures are closely related to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonmoy Chowdhury
- Department of Dairy Science, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Junayed Ahmed
- Department of Dairy Science, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md Tafazzal Hossain
- Department of Dairy Science, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Mithu Chandra Roy
- Department of Dairy Science, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md Ashik‐Uz‐Zaman
- Department of Dairy Science, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md Nazim Uddin
- Department of Livestock Production and Management, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md Masudur Rahman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md Golam Kabir
- Department of Livestock Services (DLS)Integrated Livestock Development Project (ILDP) in Haor AreasDhakaBangladesh
| | - Ferdaus Mohd Altaf Hossain
- Department of Dairy Science, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical SciencesSylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
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Georges F, Judith Georgette M, Alex Henri K, Franck KD, Jacques N, Julius AN, Minette TE, Joseph T. Determining Factors and Zootechnical Output of Biosecurity Practices in Fish Farms in the Wouri Division, Cameroon. Vet Med Int 2023; 2023:2504280. [PMID: 37033695 PMCID: PMC10079380 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2504280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosecurity practice limits the occurrence of diseases and economic losses in fish farms. The objective of this study was to characterize fish farming in the Administrative Division of Wouri, Cameroon (3°97′04″–3°58′13″N; 9°76′78″–9°46′4.3″E) and assess the biosecurity practices. A cross-sectional biosecurity audit was then conducted in 33 fish farms from March to May 2022. The “snow ball” technique, on-farm observations, and face-to-face interviews of farm managers using a semistructured questionnaire were used for data collection. The results showed that most of the fish farmers were between 18 and 40 years of age (63.64%) and not trained in fish farming (60.61%). The lack of finance (57.57%) was the main constraint to the biosecurity practice. The high fish mortality rate (>15%) was recorded in 66% of the farms. Overall, the compliance rate (CR = 40.52 ± 14.70%) and adoption rate (AR = 40.40 ± 30.10%) of biosecurity measures were intermediate. No type C farm or at the minor risk level of contamination was recorded. Farmers of 18 to 40 years of age (45.24 ± 14.75%) who attended higher school (43.83 ± 14.44%) and received training in fish farming (47.44 ± 14.39%) recorded a significant higher CR. The CR and AR were significantly higher for the isolation component (CR = 60.17 ± 19.81%; AR = 60.17 ± 25.68%) followed by traffic control (CR = 53.53 ± 25.87%; AR = 53.53% ± 34.86) and sanitation (CR = 27.70 ± 19.70%; AR = 29.84 ± 26.00%). A strong (R2 = 0.725), positive, and significant (
) linear relationship was found between the level of education of fish farmers and the biosecurity compliance rate while the health status of fish was weakly (R2 = 0.207), positively, and significantly (
) influenced by the compliance rate. Fish farming is an income-generating activity that still requires socioeconomic, technical, and institutional efforts for optimal productivity. The Cameroonian government should emphasize on the education, training, and capacity building of farmers on biosecurity practices to minimise the introduction, establishment, and spread of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fonkwa Georges
- Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 7236, Douala, Cameroon
- Applied Hydrobiology and Ichthyology Research Unit, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Makombu Judith Georgette
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Kamdem Alex Henri
- Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 7236, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Kametieu Djamou Franck
- Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 7236, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Nack Jacques
- Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 7236, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Awah-Ndukum Julius
- Applied Hydrobiology and Ichthyology Research Unit, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon
- College of Technology, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Tomedi Eyango Minette
- Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 7236, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Tchoumboue Joseph
- Applied Hydrobiology and Ichthyology Research Unit, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon
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Moje N, Waktole H, Kassahun R, Megersa B, Chomen MT, Leta S, Debela M, Amenu K. Status of animal health biosecurity measures of dairy farms in urban and peri-urban areas of central Ethiopia. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1086702. [PMID: 37065239 PMCID: PMC10090322 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1086702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethiopian dairy farming has many constraints including disease and lack of appropriate biosecurity measures. With this into consideration, a cross-sectional survey was carried out from November 2021 to April 2022 to determine the animal health biosecurity status of dairy farms and investigate the sociodemographic characteristics of livestock keepers on dairy farm management. A face-to-face questionnaire survey using an online application was used to collect data. The interview involved a total of 380 dairy farms located in six towns in central Ethiopia. The results showed that out of the surveyed farms, 97.6% missed footbaths at their gate points, 87.4% lacked isolation areas for either sick or newly introduced cattle, and 83.4% did not check the health status or quarantine newly introduced cattle. Furthermore, written formal record-keepings on animal health was uncommon, except for a few farms (7.9%). However, nearly all of the respondents (97.9%) gave medical treatments for sick cattle, and 57.1% of them vaccinated their herds regularly during the past 12 months before the survey. Hygienic aspects of the farms showed that 77.4% of the dairy farms appeared to clean the barn on a daily basis. However, 53.2% of respondents did not utilize personal protective equipment while cleaning their farms. A quarter of the dairy farmer (25.8%) avoided mixing their cattle with other herds, and 32.9% of them have implemented isolation of sick animals. In general, the animal health biosecurity assessment of the farms showed that most of the dairy farms (79.5%) earned unacceptable biosecurity levels (score of ≤ 50%), whereas the remaining 20.5% of dairy farms had received a score of >50% (“acceptable level”). The gender of dairy farmers (χ2 value = 7.61; p = 0.006), education level (χ2 value = 12.04; p = 0.007), dairy farm ownership (χ2 value = 41.6; p < 0.001), training on dairy farm management (χ2 value = 37.1; p < 0.001), towns (χ2 value = 31.69; p < 0.001), farm size (χ2 value = 7.7; p = 0.006), and herd size (χ2 value = 28.2; p < 0.001) showed a significant statistical association with biosecurity status. Finally, the study revealed that the level of biosecurity adoption of dairy farms in central Ethiopia is mostly unsatisfactory and calls for designing and implementing intervention measures toward improved animal health in dairy farms and further public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebyou Moje
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- *Correspondence: Nebyou Moje
| | - Hika Waktole
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Rediet Kassahun
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Bekele Megersa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Samson Leta
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Mulu Debela
- Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Kebede Amenu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Wang J, Hu X. Factors Influencing Disease Prevention and Control Behaviours of Hog Farmers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050787. [PMID: 36899644 PMCID: PMC10000186 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal diseases are a serious threat to animal husbandry production and diet health, and effective prevention and control measures need to be explored. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of biosecurity prevention and the control behaviours of hog farmers towards African swine fever and provides appropriate recommendations. Using research data from Sichuan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Tianjin, Liaoning, Jilin, and Hebei, we employed a binary logistic model to empirically analyse these factors. Regarding individual farmer characteristics, male farmers emphasised biosecurity prevention and control in farms, with higher education actively influencing the adoption of prevention and control measures. Farmers who received technical training were actively inclined to adopt such behaviours. Furthermore, the longer the duration of farming, the more probable the farmers were to neglect biosecurity prevention and control. However, the bigger and more specialised the farm, the more inclined they were to adopt prevention and control behaviours. With respect to disease prevention and control awareness, the more risk-averse the farmers were, the more they actively adopted epidemic prevention behaviours. As the awareness of epidemic risk increased, the farmers tended to adopt active epidemic prevention behaviours by reporting suspected outbreaks. The following policy recommendations were made: learning about epidemic prevention and improving professional skills; large-scale farming, specialised farming; and timely dissemination of information to raise risk awareness.
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11
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Khan X, Rymer C, Lim R, Ray P. Factors Associated with Antimicrobial Use in Fijian Livestock Farms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050587. [PMID: 35625231 PMCID: PMC9137839 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes in human health and livestock production are vital to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Data on antimicrobial use (AMU), resistance, and drivers for AMU in livestock are needed to inform AMS efforts. However, such data are limited in Fiji. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between farmer (socio-economic, demographic) and livestock production and management factors with AMU. Information was collected using purposive and snowball sampling from 236 livestock farmers and managers located in Central and Western divisions, Viti Levu, Fiji. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with AMU in farms using an aggregated livestock farm model. Farms that raised cattle only for dairy (farm factor) were more likely to use antibiotics and anthelmintics (p = 0.018, OR = 22.97, CI 1.713, 308.075) compared to mixed cattle and poultry farms. Farms that maintained AMU records were more likely to use antibiotics (p = 0.045, OR = 2.65, CI 1.024, 6.877) compared to farms that did not. Other livestock production and management factors had no influence on AMU on the livestock farms. AMU in livestock farms was not influenced by the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the farmer. There were differences between livestock enterprises regarding their management. The lack of association between management system and AMU could be because there was so much variation in management system, levels of farmer knowledge and awareness of AMU, and in management of farm biosecurity. Future studies exploring farmers’ knowledge and awareness of AMU and livestock management are required to design AMS programmes promoting prudent AMU in all livestock farms locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Khan
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK; (C.R.); (P.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Caroline Rymer
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK; (C.R.); (P.R.)
| | - Rosemary Lim
- Reading School of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Food & Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK;
| | - Partha Ray
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK; (C.R.); (P.R.)
- The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203, USA
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Okello DM, Aliro T, Odongo W, Ndyomugyenyi EK, Owiny DO. Alone or a combination: Ascertaining factors associated with choice of pig health management strategies amongst smallholder farmers in northern Uganda. Prev Vet Med 2021; 199:105562. [PMID: 34953300 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pig production is an important farm enterprise for an increasing number of smallholder farmers due to its potential for improving household incomes. The sector is however faced with high burden of health issues that limit most farmers from realizing the benefits. In order to improve management of pig health for smallholder farmers, an understanding of the major health issues and factors associated with farmers' choice of the pig health management strategies are paramount. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers in northern Uganda, this study assessed the factors associated with the use of different pig health management practices adopted by smallholder pig farmers. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and two different regression models. Binary Probit Regression model was used to assess factors associated with the use of a single pig health management strategy, while, Generalized Poisson Regression model was used to assess the factors associated with the number of pig health management strategies used by the farmers. Results showed that the common health issues were African Swine Fever, lice, worms and mange, while the common strategies for health management involved self-administering antibiotics, consulting veterinarians, deworming, spraying with acaricides, selling the sick pigs, treatment with local herbs, and burying dead pigs. These pig health management strategies were influenced by farmers location, experience, age, access to extension, use of information and communication technologies, and use of processed feeds. This study recommends improving farmers' access to relevant information and expanding veterinary extension services by promoting the use of radio and mobile phones in pig health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Micheal Okello
- Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box, 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Tonny Aliro
- Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box, 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Walter Odongo
- Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box, 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi
- Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box, 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - David Okello Owiny
- Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box, 166, Gulu, Uganda.
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Suit-B Y, Hassan L, Krauss SE, Ooi PT, Ramanoon SZ, Yasmin AR, Epstein JH. Mental Model of Malaysian Pig Farmers in Implementing Disease Prevention and Control Practices. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:695702. [PMID: 34820433 PMCID: PMC8606826 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.695702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The 1998 Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia resulted in major financial losses to the multi-million-dollar swine industry. While productivity and biosecurity of pig farms have improved since, biosecurity in some farms remains substandard with farmers struggling to adapt to current national pig farming policies. Farm viability and animal health depends on farmers' role as decision-makers in managing disease threats and other aspects of farm management. This study aimed to describe the mental model of farmers in making decisions about disease prevention and control measures during the 1998 Nipah virus outbreak, and in 2019, 20 years after the last reported Nipah case. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 pig farmers (mostly small-scale or medium-scale farms) were conducted in three states in Malaysia. Data were analyzed via inductive content analysis. Thirty-six unique dimensions in the mental model were identified, representing six interrelated themes corresponding to participants' decision making related to disease prevention and control: drivers of action to prevent and control disease; perception of practice options; individual determinants of familiar practices; external social factors; external economic factors; and additional external factors. Key drivers of disease control and prevention responses during the Nipah outbreak included heightened perception of risk, emotions, perceived economic loss, and subjective norms whereas key drivers in 2019 included perception of risk, perceived effectiveness, perceived benefits, and other dimensions such as perception of the future, perceived economic cost, barriers, and loss. An unfavorable future outlook, perceived economic factors, and socio-political and personal factors currently hinders farm improvement and adoption of Pig Farming Areas (PFAs) and Modern Pig Farming (MPF) systems. Private sector service providers and veterinarians are highly influential in advocating for good biosecurity, herd health, and animal health intervention practices. Insights gained can inform the development of strategic policies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Suit-B
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Latiffah Hassan
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Steven Eric Krauss
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Peck Toung Ooi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon
- Department of Medicine and Surgery of Farm & Exotic Animal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Abd Rahaman Yasmin
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Abstract
Food security, as part as public health protection, constitutes one of the main objectives for countries aiming to ensure the health of all their citizens. However, food security is compromised worldwide by conflict, political instability, or economic crises, both in developed and developing countries. Conversely, because of the importance of agriculture to the economies of rural areas both in developed and developing countries, this sector can contribute to improving food stability, as well as to furthering food security. Thus, livestock and traditional meat products represent a key factor in ensuring food availability. Overall, biosecurity measures improve animal welfare by decreasing the occurrence of diseases that compromise the stability by causing fluctuations in the availability of meat and animal-derived food products such as milk, eggs, or traditional fermented products. As a consequence, an absence of biosecurity measures affects food security (in its quantitative definition, as described above) as well as the productive, sanitary, and environmental sustainability of the rural environment. Products of animal origin support local trade and the regional economy, while contributing to the availability of foods without great external dependence. The manufacture of foods of animal origin aims to create products that are durable and that maintain food availability for long periods of time, even during seasons with scarce resources. Thus, dry-cured or fermented meat products play an important role in food availability. Food security also refers to food access under healthy economic conditions; therefore, knowledge of the main tools that guarantee the safety of these kinds of food products is essential to achieving food stability and further food security.
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Rahman MN, Islam ARMT. Consumer fish consumption preferences and contributing factors: empirical evidence from Rangpur city corporation, Bangladesh. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05864. [PMID: 33426347 PMCID: PMC7779775 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fish is the important source of animal protein and regarded as the second food after rice in Bangladesh. Fish consumption is influenced by consumer socioeconomic characteristics. OBJECTIVE The specific objectives of the current study are (i) to find information on consumers' fish consumption levels; (ii) to assess the relationships between consumer's preferences and their socioeconomic characteristics; and (iii) to investigate the factors affecting consumer fish consumption. METHOD We surveyed a total of 128 randomly selected respondents from the Rangpur city corporation (RPCC), Bangladesh in 2019 using a semi-structural questionnaire. MAIN FINDINGS The average consumption level of fish per quarterly was 1.45 kg/person. Rui (Labeo rohita), Pangas (Pangasius), Hilsha (Tenualosa ilesha) and Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) were the most frequently consumed fish species. Significant differences in consumption level were observed among the age categories, profession, gender, education, and income levels (p < 0.05). Most participants consumed fish more than once a week throughout the year and there was no seasonal impact on fish consumption. Fish consumption level was significantly and positively associated with education and income levels and negatively associated with age categories (p < 0.01). The stepwise multiple regression method elucidated 53.7% of the variance (p < 0.05) for fish consumption. CONCLUSION Fish consumption in the RPCC is lower than the average consumption level in Bangladesh particularly for lower income people. Lack of proper knowledge on fish consumption value and high price appeared as the important barrier to increase the fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh
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16
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Okello DM, Odongo W, Aliro T, Ndyomugyenyi EK. Access to veterinary services and expenditure on pig health management: the case of smallholder pig farmers in Northern Uganda. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:3735-3744. [PMID: 33026612 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pig farming has gained momentum for most smallholder farmers in developing countries as a means of livelihood and household incomes. However, prospects of the pig enterprises are constrained by pig health management issues which affect both its productivity and profitability. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers, we assessed factors influencing farmers' access to veterinary services and expenditure on pig health management in northern Uganda. Data was analysed using the binary logit and censored tobit regression models. Access to veterinary services was significantly influenced by pig herd size (p < 0.05), Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) membership (p < 0.1), breed (p < 0.05), production system (p < 0.05) and number of health issues recorded on farm (p < 0.01). Education level (p < 0.01), farming household members (p < 0.05), pig herd size (p < 0.01), breed (p < 0.05), previous disease incidences (p < 0.05), household labour available (p < 0.1) and access to veterinary services (p < 0.01) significantly influenced pig health expenditure. Efforts to improve access to veterinary services and improve pig health management should focus on promoting more intensive production systems and improved breeds that are associated with better access to veterinary services and reduced cost of pig health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Micheal Okello
- Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Walter Odongo
- Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Tonny Aliro
- Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi
- Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
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Dione MM, Dohoo I, Ndiwa N, Poole J, Ouma E, Amia WC, Wieland B. Impact of participatory training of smallholder pig farmers on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding biosecurity for the control of African swine fever in Uganda. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2482-2493. [PMID: 32311216 PMCID: PMC7754142 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of a participatory training of pig farmers on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of biosecurity relating to ASF control in two districts of Uganda using a randomized control trial (RCT). A total of 830 pig farmers from 32 villages were included in the study, with 425 farmers receiving training, while 405 did not. An item response theory model was used to assess the impact of the training on farmer's KAP. Logistic regression models were used to assess the factors that affected knowledge gain and change in attitude and practices after training. Focus group discussions (FGD) were carried out with selected farmers from the treatment group at the end of the intervention, to share their experiences and discuss potential factors that could hinder adoption of biosecurity in their communities. Results of the regression analyses showed that there was a significant effect of biosecurity training (p = .038) on gain in knowledge after 12 months, but there were limited changes in farmer's attitude and practice at 12 and 28 months after training. Pig production domain (peri-urban/urban production), group membership, gender (male) and education of the farmer positively influenced knowledge gain and attitude of farmers towards biosecurity. This paper provides empirical evidence on the impact of training intervention on biosecurity practices for disease prevention or control. In addition, it breaks down the components of the biosecurity practices and documents the specific challenges to its uptake by the farmers. It therefore relaxes the assumption of knowledge constraint as a barrier to uptake. The results clearly show that knowledge is not the binding constraint to uptake of the biosecurity interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian Dohoo
- University of Prince Edward Islands, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Nicholas Ndiwa
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Poole
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emily Ouma
- International Livestock Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Barbara Wieland
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Renault V, Lomba M, Delooz L, Ribbens S, Humblet MF, Saegerman C. Pilot study assessing the possible benefits of a higher level of implementation of biosecurity measures on farm productivity and health status in Belgian cattle farms. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:769-777. [PMID: 31648411 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, the interest of decision-makers and control agencies in biosecurity (BS), aiming at preventing and controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, has considerably increased. Nevertheless, previous studies highlighted a low implementation level of biosecurity measures (BSM), especially in cattle farms; different reasons were identified such as perceived costs, utility, importance, increased workload and lack of knowledge. In order to convince cattle farmers to adopt BSM, it is necessary to gather more information and evidence on their cost-effectiveness and their importance or utility in terms of disease prevention and control. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the farm or farmers' profile correlated with the implementation level of BSM and if there was a positive correlation between the BSM implementation and the farm production and health parameters. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted in 100 Belgian farms as part of a stratified and randomized survey. The Regional Animal Health Services provided the farm health status and production data. A general BS score and five sub-scores related to the five BS compartments (bio-exclusion, bio-compartmentation, bio-containment, bio-prevention and bio-preservation) were calculated for each farm based on the implementation level of different BSM grouped in 16 domains. The study highlighted a significant and negative correlation between the mortality rates in adult cattle (over 24 months of age) and young calves (aged 0-7 days) and different BS compartment scores. The study also demonstrated that the farms having a higher general BS score were indeed more likely to have a BVD-free status. These evidence-based findings are encouraging as they demonstrate the benefits of implementing BSM and could promote their adoption by farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Renault
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal Health (FARAH) Centre, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marc Lomba
- Regional Association of Animal Health and Identification (ARSIA), Ciney, Belgium
| | - Laurent Delooz
- Regional Association of Animal Health and Identification (ARSIA), Ciney, Belgium
| | | | - Marie-France Humblet
- Department of Occupational Protection and Hygiene, Biosafety and Biosecurity Unit, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal Health (FARAH) Centre, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Assessment of Factors Influencing the Implementation of Biosecurity Measures on Pig Farms in the Western Highlands of Cameroon (Central Africa). Vet Med Int 2018; 2018:9173646. [PMID: 29977495 PMCID: PMC5994303 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9173646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosecurity plays an irreplaceable role in preventing diseases and increasing productivity on farm. The main objective of this study was to characterize pig farming and investigate factors influencing biosecurity on pig farms in the western highlands of Cameroon. Data were collected from May to July 2017 using a questionnaire and observations. A technical scoring system was developed from the biosecurity measures. The results revealed that most farmers are males (76.29%), on average 47.82 ± 10.34 years old, with secondary school level (53.61%). The most common husbandry system is extensive (73.22%). Over a total score of 93, measures with higher scores (>80) included "employees do not rear pigs at home," "animals of different age not in the same room," "unsold animals from market quarantined prior to reintroduction into the herd," "production materials not exchanged among farms," "piggeries clean every day," "disinfectants used," "pigs vaccinated," and "vaccination calendar respected." Those with the lowest score (<6) were "sanitary lock present," "use of herd specific clean coveralls and boots on farm," and "entry restriction sign post present." The biosecurity level was associated with production system, with the score 6.57 and 3.66 points lower for extensive and semi-intensive farms, respectively, than for intensive system. Farmer's age, gender, education level, and herd size did not affect the level of biosecurity. The results can be used to improve the general biosecurity status in pig herds in the country which in turn will lead, as observed elsewhere, to improved technical performance and economic gain.
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Assessment of biosecurity level in small-scale broiler farms in the Western highlands of Cameroon (Central Africa). Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1529-1538. [PMID: 29687218 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1591-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of avian influenza in the poultry sector of Cameroon has raised a concern about the level of implementation of biosecurity measures (BM) on poultry farms. Therefore, a study using a questionnaire on 102 randomly selected poultry farms was undertaken. Some measures with high adoption levels (> 90%) included "protection of airing openings of poultry barns by a wire mesh," "no external animal allowed to enter the farm," "respect of all-in all-out principle," "functional footbath," "rodent control," and "feedstuff protection from access to rodents." The least implemented measures (less than 20%) were "wearing of dedicated clothing (clean coveralls and boots) by workers," "disinfection of visitors," and "presence of storage room for dead animals." Only for "isolation" component of biosecurity, compliance with biosecurity measures was good, with more than 50% of farms having an adoption rate greater than 75%. The mean biosecurity score for the assessed farms was 19.29 ± 1.89 for a maximum score of 38 points. The score was significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the number of chicken and the geographic location of farms. The other results showed that the mean number of broiler per cycle was 550.82 ± 76 for a stocking density of 27.20 ± 6.64 birds per m2. In conclusion, broiler production in the Western highland is dominated by small-scale units with low level of biosecurity practices positively and significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by some production characteristics. To improve biosecurity practices in the area, efforts must focus on measures concerning "sanitation" and "traffic control" components of biosecurity.
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Huang Z, Zeng D, Wang J. Factors affecting Chinese broiler farmers' main preventive practices in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza. Prev Vet Med 2016; 134:153-159. [PMID: 27836037 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Preventive practices are highly important in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). As biosecurity guidelines, HPAI vaccination, antiviral medication, farm cleaning and disinfection jointly focus on mitigating the risk of infectious pathogen spread, yet much less is known about the association between broiler farmer's socio-economic characteristics and their adoption decision of these preventive practices. The current study aims to bridge this gap using a nationally representative household survey of 331 Chinese chicken farm owners, among whom the practices are far from fully adopted (only 58% of the farmers adopt all four types). Discrete choice modeling reveals that farmer's gender, age, education, perceived disease impact, farming experience, breeding density, chicken feed conversion ratio, chicken daily weight gain, available service, and subsidy are playing important roles in adoption decision making. Moreover, farmers with husbandry and veterinary knowledge, longer farming experience and lower feed conversion ratios tend to adopt all preventive practices, whereas farmers with larger proportions of income coming from chicken farming tend not to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeying Huang
- Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Di Zeng
- Centre for Global Food and Resources, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jimin Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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