Epidemiological risk factors of knowledge and preventive practice regarding avian influenza among poultry farmers and live bird traders in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria

Avian Influenza (AI) is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A influenza virus. The disease has a pandemic risk leading to death or depopulation of millions of birds. This study determined the risk factors that predict adequate knowledge and good preventive practice measures towards AI, among poultry farmers and live bird traders in Ikorodu, Lagos State, South-western Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted with questionnaire on socio- demographics, knowledge of definition, and transmission of avian influenza administered to 244 respondents at interview. Descriptive, Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were carried out to explore associations between demographic characteristics, knowledge and preventive practice scores. All levels of significance were set at p < 0.05. The total knowledge score computed on a 25-item scale revealed a mean total knowledge of 9.9 (SD ± 6.6). Respondents aged <20 years, live bird traders and those with no formal education had the poorest knowledge. The total preventive practice score regarding avian influenza on a 9-item scale revealed a mean of 5.3 (SD ± 2.1). Younger respondents, live bird traders; those with no tertiary education and those spent <24 months in their profession had the poorest preventive practice score. Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing education (p < 0.05) significantly predicted adequate knowledge of avian influenza and good preventive practice among respondents. Poultry farmers and live bird traders, specially those with no formal education, should be aware of the transmission, seriousness and preventive measures of AI that will be reflected in the prevention and control of the disease in Nigeria.