Assessment of implementation of biosecurity measures and its impacts on Newcastle disease in some poultry farms and live bird markets in Sokoto State, Nigeria

There is considerable global concern over the outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) affecting domestic poultry flocks around the world including Nigeria. There have been little investigations on the biosecurity measures taken by poultry stakeholders in relation to the rate of ND in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Thus, this study evaluated the biosecurity practices in commercial poultry farms and live bird markets in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaire administered to commercial farmers, flock owners at live bird markets as well as other poultry value chain intermediaries. A traffic light system model was used to test for relative risks based on the biosecurity measures put in place at the farm and live bird markets. The result indicates that both commercial farms and live bird markets were at high risk (56.9% and 77.3% respectively) of ND virus infection. The high risk practices identified include unsafe disposal of poultry carcasses (50%), locating farms on high ways (75%), absence of high pressure sprayer at gate (100%), presence of water body (37.5%), raising different species of birds (25% for farms and 100% for live bird markets), presence of multi age groups (100%), feed spillage (100%), fly and rodent infestation (100%), lack of personal protective equipment (50% for farms and 100% for live bird markets), absence of changing room (87.5%), poor handling of sick birds (75% for farms and 100% for live bird markets), inadequate washing and disinfection of hands and equipment (100%). Using chi square, presence of fence, washing and disinfection of pen, washing and disinfection of equipment, always allowing visitors to enter farm, borrowing of equipment, sale of runt and sick birds, isolation of sick/new birds, culling of diseased birds, safe and clean store for feed, observing signs of ND in the last 3 months showed significant statistical difference (P<0.05) between live bird markets and poultry houses. Thus, that may contribute to the risk of environmental contamination and disease transmission. Outreach and biosecurity awareness raising initiatives should be specifically developed for all the poultry value chain stakeholders with the objective of improving general poultry management and thus preventing ND and other poultry diseases.