Assessment of Biosecurity Practices in Broiler Operations in South East and Kgatleng Districts, Botswana

John Cassius Moreki; Gaseope Tidimalo; Gare K. Mphothwe

Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2014

Assessment of Biosecurity Practices in Broiler Operations in South East and Kgatleng Districts, Botswana

John Cassius Moreki, Gaseope Tidimalo, Gare K. Mphothwe

Abstract :

This study was carried out to assess biosecurity practices in 20 oiler operations in South East (5) and Kgatleng Districts (15). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and through direct observation. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists software, version 16.0. All farms (100%) were fenced and had gates closed most the time to control unwanted visitors. Furthermore, 75% of the farms had footbaths, indicating that the risk of infection was high in farms did not use footbaths. Furthermore, 25% of the respondents borrowed equipment from other farms or lent equipment to other farms. All farms cleaned and disinfected poultry houses at the end of the production cycle. In order to eak the life cycle of disease causing microorganisms, 75% of the respondents rested poultry houses for 14 days, 15% for 21 days and 10% for 7 days. Fifty percent of farms carried out Newcastle disease and Gumboro vaccinations, whereas the remainder did not. Ninety percent of farms disposed of poultry manure by giving it to arable farmers. Mortality was disposed of by burning (40%); taken to dumping sites or landfills (35%); burial in pits located on farm premises (15%) and by feeding it to dogs after cooking (10%). The current results point to the inadequacy of biosecurity on oiler farms.