Ameji, 2012 – Awareness, Knowledge, Readiness to Report Outbreak and Biosecurity Practices Towards Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Kogi State, Nigeria

Kogi state did not report Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) during the 2006-2008 outbreaks in Nigeria despite the presence of favorable factors for the occurrence of the disease. A survey was conducted among stakeholders using structured questionnaires to determine the level of awareness, knowledge and readiness to report outbreak of HPAI and biosecurity practices in Kogi state, Nigeria. Awareness was 100% but knowledge of HPAI was low (9.1%). Readiness to report HPAI outbreak to relevant authorities was high (75.3%) but about 20% of respondents were not ready to report to any authority. Biosecurity practices evaluated by the presence of movement control was 38.8%; presence of footbath was rare (11.8%); handling of sick birds by isolation and treatment was 40%; improper disposal of dead birds in refuse dump was high (85.9%) and extensive management system was high (60.76%). The study revealed high level of awareness and readiness to report HPAI but poor knowledge and biosecurity practices towards it. The failures in biosecurity measures as seen in this study will greatly enhance introduction and spread of HPAI as well as other contagious poultry diseases in the state. Knowledge directly affects readiness to report hence efforts should be made to improve poultry stakeholders’ knowledge of HPAI and proper biosecurity practices.