Assessment of poultry farm bio-security measures in southern Bhutan

Abstract

The farm biosecurity measures adopted by poultry rearing farmers in five southern districts of Bhutan was assessed. The data were gathered from 96 respondents purposively selected, through face-to-face interview using semi-structured questionnaire. The data gathered were descriptively analyzed and association amongst variables were measured using Chi-square and Pearson’s correlation. The study recorded majority (74 %) of the poultry sheds being constructed within 50 meters distance from the residential area, and 66.8 % of respondents did not have any biosecurity fencing. The study recorded use of foot dip at the entrance of the poultry shed as the main biosecurity measures, and about 90% of the respondents interviewed did not maintained visitors record. There was no significant association between the education level and biosecurity measures being adopted (p = 0.98). However, a significant difference was observed on the use of personal protective equipment (p < .05) among the five districts. The study concludes that the majority of the respondents are not aware on the importance of poultry farm biosecurity measures. The study recommends creating adequate awareness on the importance of maintaining farm biosecurity measures to minimize diseases outbreak and enhance production.