Risk Factors, Perception, and Knowledge of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza among Poultry Handlers in Selected Live Bird Markets in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: The live bird markets (LBMs) are considered a very high-risk area for the transmission of infectious pathogens in poultry due to the large numbers of uninspected mixed poultry species of unknown disease status that are brought together. The objective was to identify gaps in knowledge, risk perception, and biosecurity practices related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) LBMs workers in parts of Northern Nigeria. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 LBM workers using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data on socio-demographics, poultry handling practices, biosecurity measures, knowledge, and risk perception were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Results: All respondents were male (mean age 40 ± 12.3 years). HPAI awareness was high among LBM workers (>95%); however, knowledge of its zoonotic potential was low (<50%). The majority (>90%) of the vendors traded in multiple bird species. Forty-five percent (45%) of the vendors consider the introduction of sick birds into the market to be of low risk, while 42% perceive it as high risk for the transmission of the influenza virus. More than 70% of vendors regularly clean their stalls and cages as an important biosecurity measure. Vendors who separate sick from healthy birds were less likely to experience influenza virus transmission in the market (odds ratio [OR]: 0.214; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.073–0.630). The use of personal protective equipment and disinfection of vehicles used were associated with a reduced risk of transmission of influenza viruses within the LBM (OR: 0.534; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.298–0.953; OR: 0.584; 95% CL: 0.450–0.757), respectively. Conclusion: Despite high awareness, critical gaps in zoonotic knowledge, biosecurity lapses, and low risk perception exist. Targeted risk communication and enhanced biosecurity protocols are urgently needed to mitigate HPAI transmission in these LBMs.