More than a year ago SAFOSO and Purdue University joined forces on a USDA-funded initiative aimed at enhancing disease preparedness and promoting preventive measures among backyard poultry owners. The project, supported by the USDA's National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, continues to address critical gaps in biosecurity practices and disease awareness in the U.S. poultry sector.
The widespread occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in migratory birds remains a significant threat to public health and the livestock industry. Recent developments have also raised concerns about influenza emerging in cattle, further underlining the interrelated health risks across different animal species. This highlights the urgency of raising awareness about biosecurity and encouraging preventive measures among backyard poultry owners to mitigate both zoonotic and non-zoonotic risks and safeguard human and animal health.
Over the past year, we have achieved some significant milestones in the project. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys were successfully conducted among Purdue extension educators and backyard poultry owners. These surveys provided valuable insights into the current state of disease awareness and biosecurity practices in the state of Indiana, USA. Based on the survey data, we are now developing tailored online training materials for Purdue Extension Educators, addressing critical gaps in knowledge and practices related to disease prevention and control in backyard poultry farms. The results from the survey are actively incorporated into these materials to ensure their relevance and applicability. Furthermore, training material for backyard poultry owners, including children and adolescents, will be developed. Finally, the training materials will undergo an evaluation to ensure their effectiveness.
For more details and insights, visit the project website of Dr. Wendy Beauvais, the leader of this research project at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine: Link
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