Biosecurity Assessment of Selected Poultry Farms in South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

Biosecurity are set of practices designed to prevent diseases. Poultry is one of the largest producers of man's protein in form of meat and egg and has disease as its main challenge. This survey was carried out to assess the biosecurity measures on selected poultry farms in South West Nigeria to determine their level of conformity to the standard. This survey made use of primary data through the use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was downloaded from the site of www.Biocheck.UGent.be which is a questionnaire with a scoring system designed by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. A snowball sampling technique was used with 120 respondents. 56.7% of the respondents were males while 43.3% were females, a majority (36.7%) are within the age range of 41 to 50 years. All the respondents have a formal education with the majority (58.3) having BSc/HND qualification. Of the six parameters measured for external biosecurity, majority of the farmers adhered to one of them which are keeping of feed and water. 22.5% of the farmers adhered to the standard biosecurity measures as regards the entrance of visitors and personnel into the farm. Of internal biosecurity measures 44.1% the farmers adhered to the standard biosecurity measures as regards disease management. 25.9% of the farmers adhered to the standard biosecurity measures as regards cleaning and disinfection of materials. 46.7% of respondents adhered to standard internal biosecurity measures in relation to materials and measures between houses. In conclusion, there is a need to improve on biosecurity measures in poultry industry in Nigeria.