More than cleaning the coops: A review of avian influenza prevention and control practices among backyard poultry farmers in Southeast Asia in 2006-2007

To date, efforts to control avian influenza (H5N1) among backyard farmers in Southeast Asia have relied on either vaccination or promotion of biosecurity practices similar to those recommended for commercial poultry producers. In 2006, AED conducted household surveys among backyard poultry farmers in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to assess their poultry-rearing practices and their knowledge and attitudes about avian influenza. Baseline data showed poor adherence to recommended biosecurity practices such as enclosing birds, quarantining new poultry, keeping chickens separated from ducks, composting manure and washing hands before handling poultry. Many of the farmers felt unable to implement recommended biosecurity practices due to economic reasons; for example they pointed out that if they enclosed birds they would have to feed them as well as pay for the caging materials. A second series of household surveys is underway, and will reveal whether communication and education efforts in the three countries have led to improved biosecurity practices. This presentation will provide an overview of the baseline and follow-up surveys, highlight observed changes in knowledge, attitudes and biosecurity practices, and draw conclusions about barriers and keys to success in improving backyard biosecurity.