Smallholder Farmer's Knowledge and Practice Towards Farm Biosecurity Measures to Prevent Infectious Diseases in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Proper biosecurity practice is crucial in animal farming to reduce the risk of diseases. The aim of this study was to assess smallholder farmers' knowledge and practice towards farm biosecurity measures and associated factors among smallholder farmers. A total of 125 farms were randomly selected, and the biosecurity level of each farm was assessed using an observation checklist, questionnaire and a biosecurity score. Overall farm biosecurity knowledge of respondents was 50 (40%); they had good farm biosecurity knowledge recorded. The assessment of biosecurity practice levels of the study farms revealed that 62 (49.6%) of the farms had a good biosecurity score. Our multivariable analysis showed that gender, education level and main occupation status were revealed in the study as the risk factors that had a significant relationship with good farm biosecurity knowledge and practices. Male farmers recorded better knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.12-2.56]) and practice (AOR = 1.34; 95% CI [1.06-1.36]) compared to female farmers. Educated farmers are more likely to have good knowledge (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI [1.56-1.99]) and practice (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI [1.31-2.10]) than illiterate ones. Regarding occupation, professionals had good farm biosecurity knowledge (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI [1.05-1.54]) and practice (AOR = 1.071; 95% CI [1.01-1.87]) than traders. In conclusion, the study revealed that biosecurity measures were not adequately implemented. Smallholder biosecurity measures, at village-level operations, need to empower farmers to make better decisions. Integrating biosecurity into motivations and availability of short-term awareness is crucial. Associating biosecurity and disease management with improved livestock productivity and economic benefits brings sustainable rewards.