SURVEY OF LOCAL CHICKEN DISEASES, THEIR CONTROL AND PREFERRED EXTENSION METHODS

Résumé

A research was conducted on Local chicken (LC) production to assess the challenges facing by the farmers and adoption levels of biosecurity measures in selected areas of three senatorial zones of Plateau state, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were used and administered through a multi-stage random sampling methods. Data obtained from both primary and secondary sources were subjected to both descriptive and quantitative analysis. The results obtained showed that to disseminates information, most LC farmers in southern zone suggested the use of radio programs, while Central zone suggested organizing seminar for farmers and efficient extension services to Local chicken (LC) farmers and only few farmers in the Northern zone opted for used of churches and mosques as means of disseminate information’s. Coughing/CRD and Fowl pox are the major LC disease in Northern, Southern and Central zones respectively, however, most of the farmers in the villages in the Northern zone uses local herbs as means of treatment of most of the diseases. The farmers in central zone buy veterinary drugs and treat sick birds themselves and only few farmers call veterinarian officer for treatments. The LC farmers faces problems because of prevailing constraints such as diseases, lack of veterinary medicine services available, weak extension support and training services and only few LC farmers in Plateau state practice biosecurity. Poultry health service and biosecurity should be improved to prevent the diseases for higher productivity.