Knowledge, adoption and effects of biosecurity measures on commercial farms in Tororo district.

Abstract

The poultry sector is one of the most important animal production industries and contributes to approximately 10% of all meat and eggs produced in the world each year and the sector is particularly important in that it is a significant source for supply of protein in the household nutritional intake. The poultry sector of Uganda has more than 47 million chickens and about 88% are local chickens. These are known for their social, cultural, and economic roles to rural communities in Uganda thus improving the livelihoods of farmers. Literature shows that biosecurity measures are very important in poultry farming and their adoption is critical in the control and prevention of diseases in commercial poultry farms (Mugisha et al., 2019). This study examined the knowledge adoption and effects of biosecurity measures on commercial poultry farms in Tororo district. Using a random sampling method, sample of 108 poultry farmers was obtained and examined using structured and semi structured questionnaires. T-test model, linear regression model and logistic model were used to analyze the data collected. Results show that the share of farmers who adopted the use of biosecurity measures is slightly higher for farmers who are not married than those who didn’t adopt the biosecurity measures, the number of farmers who attained secondary education is higher for farmers who adopted the use of biosecurity measures than those who didn’t adopt. Farmers who kept local chicken are lower for farmers who adopted the biosecurity measures use than the farmers who didn’t adopt. The number of farmers who rear exotic chicken is slightly higher for farmers who employed the biosecurity measures than farmers who didn’t adopt their use. The share of farmers who used extensive systems is lower for farmers who adopted the use of bio security measures than farmers who actually didn’t. Also, the share of farmers who used the intensive systems is lower for farmers who adopted the use of the biosecurity measures than farmers who didn’t adopt. Results show that there is a statistical relationship between fencing and mortality as a unit increase in the fencing of poultry farms results into a significant decrease in the rates of chicken mortality. A unit increase in the disinfection of premises will result into a significant decrease in the death of chickens on poultry farms. Also results show that the vaccination of chicken will result into a significant decrease in the mortality of chicken in poultry farm. Results show that fencing is statistically significant and has a positive relationship with costs. a unit increase in fencing will result into an increase in costs incurred by poultry farms. Results also show that isolation of sick chicken has an effect on costs as it is statistically significant with costs. An increase in the isolation of sick chickens from others results into a decrease in the costs incurred by poultry farms. An increase in the rate of vaccinating birds results into a significant increase in the costs incurred by poultry farm owners. An increase in farmer’s business will result into an increase in the use of personal protective equipment on poultry farms. An increase in farming will lead to an increase in the use of footbath by farmers at their poultry farms. An increase in the rate at which farmers attain primary and secondary education, will result into an increase in the isolation of sick birds from others.