Biosecurity Compliance on Broiler Farms and Livestock Farmer Advisors' Knowledge of Biosecurity in Cameroon

Strategic Insights -

Research from the University of Ngaoundere has shed light on the critical issue of biosecurity in the poultry sector in Cameroon. The study, conducted from February to October 2024, evaluated biosecurity compliance on 153 broiler farms across four regions, and surveyed 169 livestock advisors from all ten regions. The findings highlight the need for enhanced biosecurity training for farmers and advisors, and emphasize the importance of internal and external biosecurity measures. The study suggests that advisors can play a crucial role in raising awareness and training farmers to improve biosecurity implementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study assessed biosecurity compliance on 153 broiler farms across four regions in Cameroon, and surveyed 169 livestock advisors from all ten regions.
  • The overall average biosecurity score of broiler farms was 51 out of 100, with 58.8% of farms scoring 50 or below.
  • Internal biosecurity (mean 56) was better implemented than external biosecurity (mean 49) on broiler farms.
  • The mortality rate on broiler farms was significantly associated with biosecurity compliance, with farms with higher biosecurity scores having lower mortality rates.
  • The research highlighted the need for enhanced biosecurity training for both farmers and advisors, and emphasized the importance of internal and external biosecurity measures.
  • The study suggested that advisors can play a crucial role in raising awareness and training farmers to improve biosecurity implementation.
  • The study underscored the need for relevant Cameroonian regulations to enhance biosecurity in the poultry sector.

Statistics:

  • 153 broiler farms were evaluated for biosecurity compliance across four regions in Cameroon.
  • 169 livestock advisors were surveyed through an online questionnaire from all ten regions.
  • The overall average biosecurity score of broiler farms was 51 out of 100.
  • 58.8% of farms scored 50 or below for biosecurity compliance.
  • Internal biosecurity (mean 56) was significantly better implemented than external biosecurity (mean 49) on broiler farms.
  • The mortality rate on broiler farms was significantly associated with biosecurity compliance (p<0.05).

Sources:

  • Biosecurity compliance on broiler farms and livestock farmer advisors' knowledge of biosecurity in Cameroon. BMC Veterinary Research, 2025,21(1):1-11.