Biosecurity Practices and Potential Biological Risks in Poultry Farms in Agnibilekrou and in Peri Urban Areas of Abidjan

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate biosecurity practices and potential biological risks in poultry farms in Agnibilékrou and in the peri-urban areas of Abidjan. It took place from August to December 2008. A total of 219 poultry farms were surveyed, including 119 in Sector 3 and 100 in Sector 4. The results of this study show that only 22.7% of the farms have fences, 6.7% have roto-tanks and 30.3% have foot baths for the entrance and protection of the breeding area. In 22.7% of cases, poultry carcasses are thrown into the open air and in 25% of farms they are consumed. Nevertheless, 91% of these farms have well maintained surroundings. Waste is disposed of in 96% of open-air farms, poultry corpses in 69% of farms. The water consumed by the birds is surface water in 57% of the farms. In 81% of the farms, the birds are fed by divagation and in 19% of the cases by semi-divagation. Feed is soiled in 89% of farms. Poultry carcasses are thrown away in 43.5% of farms near the farm. Faced with such situations, the Ivorian government should strengthen training, awareness and encourage all actors in the poultry sector, especially farmers, to implement good biosecurity practices.