Evaluation of BiosecurityMeasures in Commercial Poultry Farms in River Nile State

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted in 60 commercial poultry farms (38 open ,18 semi closed and 4 closed system ) in River Nile State , distributed in 4 localities (Atbara , Aldamer , Shendi and Barber) included layer , broiler and grower farms . Data were collected by using structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using Descriptive Statistics Method and Chi Square .The practices and infrastructure observed in the farms were inconsistent with the three principle elements of biosecurity. Results showed that open system farms tend to have a less secured boundary than that of the close system farms. Most of farms in open system are at high density area (the distances to nearest farm are less than 500 meter) and there are no farms in closed system less than 500 meter. Level of knowledge about importance of biosecurity is overall insufficient, only 50% of the respondent understands the importance of biosecurity as disease prevention measures while 18% don’t have any information aboutbiosecurity. Partial knowledge about the component of biosecurity was noticed, 20% of respondent recognize isolation, while traffic control and sanitation were identified by 6.7 % and 3.3% of the respondent respectively. Regarding proper practice and awareness of biosecurity the study showed that 68.3% of farm owners were not trained about biosecurity practice.High cost and inconvenience are major constraints to practicing recommended biosecurity measures as well as insufficient knowledge of biosecurity measures and importance.