Abstract:
Background
Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza is a deadly pandemic that has ravaged birds of
different species. The sickness is more worrisome because it has been scientifically
proven to transfer from bird to man. In extension, human can transmit the sickness
to fellow human. Studies have shown that Live Bird Market (LBM) have played an
important role in the spread of H5N1 HPAI (as well as other poultry disease,
including other avian influenza viruses).8' 9'11' However, research has shown that with
bio-security measures, Avian influenza can be prevented, and possibly be eradicated.
Also, it is the cheapest most effective means of disease control available8. It then
became very imperative to train poultry dealers and live bird market operators on bio
security measures.
Methods
The respondents were divided into two groups (the control arm and the intervention
arm). Training on topical issues on bio-security was conducted on the intervention
arm and none was done to the control arm. However prior to the training, a pre-
training (pre intervention data); structured questionnaire was administered to both
groups and their responses were elicited. The questionnaire asked their knowledge
attitude and practice of bio-security among the two groups. However after the
training on the intervention arm, the same questionnaire was as well introduced to
both arms and their responses elicited as well.
Results
The pre-intervention result showed level of knowledge within both arms with control
arm having higher knowledge than the control. However it was noticed that despite
the high level of knowledge in the intervention arm, they did not do well concerning
attitude and practice. However at the end of the training, there became an
improvement in knowledge in the intervention arm but it was as well discovered that
the attitude and practice was still poor.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that there has been knowledge improvement about avian influenza
and bio-security at the end of the study, there is still low level of compliance. This
was found out from the poor attitude and practice in both arms. It then calls for a
great need to always conduct refresher courses on the live bird market operators.
Again the environmental health officials ought to be carrying out some task force at
live bird markets to make sure that there is compliance to best practices. This is
because it will be dangerous to have knowledge and not put into practice. If this is
not corrected with urgency, we would face a possible outbreak of avian influenza in
the nearest future.
