Exposure to avian influenza in poultry farms and access to veterinary healthcare services in Nigeria and Ghana

Abstract

The incidence of avian influenza (AI) is on the increase in most parts of the world. This cross-sectional study examines the exposure of poultry farms to AI and the extent of poultry farmers’ access to veterinary health services in Nigeria and Ghana. A pretested questionnaire was administered on 340 poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana. Also, Six Key Informant Interviews and fourteen In-depth Interviews were conducted in both countries. The majority of poultry farmers in Nigeria (61.2%) and Ghana (66.5%) are aware of AI, and the mass media was reported as a major source of knowledge. The perception of AI was characterized by the threats it poses to birds, humans, and poultry assets. The study showed an association between the perceived risks of respondents’ personal hygiene in farming practice and susceptibility to AI (p = 0.026). There is also an association between respondents’ nationality and their health-seeking behaviour on poultry farms (p = 0.000). Efforts should be made by relevant stakeholders to develop public health education strategies to promote veterinary healthcare service use among poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana.