Assessment of Biosecurity Measures and Distribution of Daily Live Bird ‎Markets in Four North-Western States of Nigeria ‎

Maintenance of strict biosecurity measures is essential in preventing disease spread from Live Bird Markets (LBMs) which serve as a major intermingling area for poultry from different sources. This study assessed the Biosecurity measures and spatial distribution of daily Live Bird Markets of four North-western States in Nigeria. Closed ended questionnaires were administered in 35 daily LBMs in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states and identification of disinfectants used in the LBMs were noted. Swab samples of birds’ cages in the LBMs were taken for E. coli isolation. The live bird managers and marketers were all male (100%) across all the four states. Only 6(17%) out of the 35 LBMs had high biosecurity level, 69% had a moderate biosecurity level and 5(14%) were graded as low. Of the 400 Live bird marketers administered questionnaires, only 71 (18%) employ good biosecurity practices and 305(76%) were graded as fair and remaining 24(6%) as poor. Majority of the LBMs were located within human settlements without any form of barrier. There were seven main types of disinfectants identified across the all LBMs. Esherichia coli was isolated from 1(17%) LBM among the 6(17%) LBMs that were identified to have and use disinfectant. From the remaining 29(83%) LBMs, E.coli was isolated from only 5(17%) despite lacking in use of disinfectant by these LBMs. Live bird marketers should be educated on the need to adhere to biosecurity measures and practices.