Avian Influenza Risk Perception and Preventive Practice Among Poultry Workers in Jos: A Cross Sectional Study

Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1 commonly called Bird Flu, is a highly infectious viral disease of birds including domestic poultry, and first infected humans in China 1997. Since its widespread and re-emergence in 2003 and 2004, the avian virus has become a global public health threat. The H5N1 is known to be very infectious and has caused death of millions of chickens and other birds around the world with high economic loss. The prevention and control of this virus depend on the awareness and protective practices of the poultry workers as well as the general population. This study aims to assess risk factors related to Avian influenza virus infection among poultry workers in Plateau State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 200 poultry workers age 14 to 63.The results showed that more females (52%) participated in poultry farming than males (48%), and younger population ages 14-23 years (33%) participated more than the older population ages 54-63 years (7%). Also, occupationally hired poultry workers (53%) were more compared to farm owners (18%) with other workers (health workers, cullers, scavengers) (29%). Knowledge about protective measures was high in relation to wearing of coverall (44.5%), hand gloves (20.5%) and boots (17%). Those in contact with the dead birds were more (43%) than those in contact with the carcass (29%) and sick birds (28%). The number of subject that answered yes to risk perception were 66.0%, and those who said no was 34%, the female perception was higher (73%). The study showed that there is moderate preventive practices and awareness about avian influenza virus infection among the poultry workers. Preventive practices might play an effective role in reducing or slowing transmission of influenza. This calls for proper training of poultry workers about avian influenza virus to improve preventive practices that will curb the spread, reduce risk of infection and economic loss