Assessment of the Impact of a One Health Approach-Based Training on Poultry Rearing and Farm Biosecurity Management in Bangladesh.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Biosecurity measures are crucial for disease prevention and sustainable poultry farming; however, many farmers in Bangladesh do not have access to training in biosecurity and farm management. This study evaluated whether biosecurity training, delivered within a One Health framework, would lead to farmers adopting improved biosecurity measures in their farming practices. METHODOLOGY: The impact of a 2-day training programme was evaluated on 88 farms across 12 upazilas in the Chattogram district, with assessments conducted immediately after the training and at least 4 months later. Data collection involved farm visits, using a researcher-led questionnaire and evaluation through direct observation. RESULTS: The t-test results showed an absolute increase in mean farm scores from 12.3 to 14.8, representing 9% improvement in farm biosecurity and management practices, irrespective of the farm production system, farmers' education and experience levels. Descriptive analysis indicated that improvement percentage (IP) in operational biosecurity, such as cleaning feeders and drinkers (65%), using separate clothes and shoes (64%) and waste management (58%) were the most improved practices. Dealer-based Sonali farms showed higher IP for disinfectant use (83%), sick bird isolation (88%) and improved brooding management (46%) (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Farmers with the highest education level maintained 2-week intervals between two batches (IP 33%, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.004). Less-experienced farmers improved shed cleaning processes more (42%) and more-experienced farmers improved the feed storage system (55%) and vaccine transportation (38%) (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that using a One Health approach in training can effectively influence various aspects of farm biosecurity and management practices, leading to positive behavioural changes. SUMMARY: Collaborative training using a One Health approach can change biosecurity practices and poultry farmer behaviours, reducing zoonoses and public health. Financial constraints are a major hindrance for poultry farmers to adopt proper biosecurity measures; however, training can influence the farmers to some extent. Operational biosecurity measures are more adoptable by the farmers, irrespective of farm types.