A pilot workshop-based study assessing biosecurity practices among selected pig farmers and farms

Objectives: This study assessed farm-level biosecurity compliance and evaluated the effect of a structured training intervention on African Swine Fever (ASF) knowledge among pig farmers in Nigeria. Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post design was used involving 23 farmers from five states. Knowledge scores were measured using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Additionally, 22 farms were assessed using a 33-item biosecurity checklist with weighted scoring (Yes=1, Partial, 0.5, No=0). Results: Median knowledge scores increased significantly after training (pre: 9.0; post: 10.0; p≤0.05), although the effect size was small (r =0.32). Overall biosecurity compliance remained low (mean = 40%, standard deviation [SD] = 18.6), with critical gaps in visitor control (0%), quarantine (13.6%), carcass disposal (9.1%), and outbreak preparedness (13.6%). No correlation was found between education level and compliance (Spearman’s p =0.12, p =0.58). Conclusion: The findings indicated that while training improves knowledge, structural and operational constraints limits biosecurity implementation. Strengthening policy enforcement, targeted financial support, and routine biosecurity audits are essential for effective ASF control.