The widespread occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in migratory birds in the U.S. is a sign of the increasing threat to both the livestock industry and public health. Current risk management practices in backyard and small poultry operations, are considered inadequate. Since HPAI is only one of several zoonotic agents affecting domestic poultry, prioritizing biosecurity and disease reporting on small poultry farms is critical to protecting public health and the livestock industry. Despite the increased zoonotic risks, studies show that many poultry farmers on small farms in the U.S. are not sufficiently knowledgeable about poultry diseases, indicating a need for evidence-based programs to promote preventive measures for this population.
The project will cover the 4 following objectives:
- Characterize Indiana small-scale poultry owners and educators in terms of their motivation and access to resources to improve biosecurity and disease preparedness.
- Identify priority gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices(KAP) for engagement.
- Develop, deliver, and test educational materials to improve KAP among Purdue extension educators.
- Develop, deliver, and test educational materials to improve KAP among backyard poultry farmers.
SAFOSO is assisting with stakeholder mapping and conducting and analyzing the KAP surveys. SAFOSO's main task is to develop and evaluate training materials for backyard poultry owners and Purdue Extension Educators.
More on this project: Link
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