Assessment of farmer’s knowledge on the control measures of African swine fever in Okwerodot sub county, Kole district

Abstract

High morbidity and mortality resulting from African swine fever among the pig population have caused heavy economic losses to farmers, threaten food security, and limited piggery production. This study assessed farmers ‘knowledge on biosecurity measure used to control Africa Swine Fever (ASF). A cross-sectional study design was employed where open-ended questionnaire, Key informants’ interview, and focus group discussion was used to assess farmer’s knowledge of biosecurity measures used in the following villages with the respective number of farmers – 150 (males = 93, females = 57); Okwerodot parish (Okwerodot - 10, Acaeogik - 07, Teopok - 08, Adogmonmio - 08, Adyelodeo - 09 and Ongura -09 villages), Obutu parish (Obutu center - 10, Obutu corner - 09, Abolowoo - 10, Alango - 08, Baribule ‘A’ - 09 and Baribule ‘B’ – 08 villages) and Abongojok parish (Alake center - 08, Woromite - 08, Acootedo ‘A’ - 06, Acootedo ‘B’ - 08, Apii - 09 and Abongopapa – 06 villages), Okwerodot Sub County, Kole District. All the data obtained were analysed using SPSS, descriptive statistics were used to present the data in table and graphs and, t-test was generated to separate the mean at 5% significant level. Significant (p≤0.05) differences were observed in the combination of disinfection and control of visitors, disinfection and animal movement control, disinfection and swill feed purchased control and, disinfection and vehicle control as biosecurity measures used by farmers to control ASF. Therefore, over 60% of pig farmers were using tethering system of rearing pigs and were proven to have some basic knowledge on the prevention and control of diseases especially ASF and, were getting veterinary services from qualified veterinary personnel. Further research needs to be conducted to examine the effect of combining the current biosecurity measures against other diseases and, enhancing the capacity of different stakeholders about ASF and implementation of combined different biosecurity measures which are feasible and cheap to implement. Keywords: Farmers ‘knowledge; biosecurity measure; Africa Swine Fever