Insights Into Native Chicken Farmers: Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Disease and Health Management in Selected Regions of Bangladesh

Native chicken rearing is common in household women all over Bangladesh. Disease is a major problem that reduces production, increases mortality and decreases farmers' profitability. The research aimed at finding farmers' perception of the incidence of disease, health approaches and biosecurity management in raising native chicken reared in semi intensive system in Bangladesh. We randomly selected 260 farmers from eight districts of Bangladesh. Data collected through a pre-designed questionnaire through direct interviews with respondents and keen observation at the household level. Newcastle disease, either solely or in combination, was the most commonly faced issue among farmers. Most farmers (66.95%) reported that diseases affected their chickens at an early age, particularly during the chick stage. Only 23.1% and 23.8% of farmers engaged in vaccination and deworming measures. On a positive note, most farmers (70.4%) reported regular cleaning of their poultry houses and only a small percentage (5.4%) used disinfectants during cleaning. Additionally, a significant proportion (41.9%) of farmers practiced the isolation of sick birds in separate sheds. However, 76.2% mortality occurred in chick and 50.4% of farmer throw their dead bird in field. A considerable percentage of farmers (28.1%) did not seek treatment facilities for their poultry. However, a minority (22.7%) utilized veterinary hospitals to treat their Native chickens. The study underscores the need for improved disease management practices, including increased vaccination coverage and access to veterinary services. It also highlights the importance of promoting biosecurity measures and proper hygiene practices to mitigate disease transmission and reduce mortality rates in native chicken farming.