Spatial distribution and assessment of biosecurity levels of pig farms in selected local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out on the spatial distribution, characterization and biosecurity assessment of pig farms in some local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire. Spatial autocorrelation was used to show relations between pig farms’ locations and biosecurity measures. A scoring system ranging from 0 to 1 was developed from the biosecurity measures retained. A biosecurity measure was scored 1 if present, 0 if absent. The measures were divided into two categories: bioexclusion and biomanagement/biocontainment. The total score of each measure was obtained by summing all scores from each farm. One hundred pig farms were surveyed. The average number of years since farm establishment was 7.32 ± 5.19 years, farms were confined, mostly small scaled (81.0%), with an average herd size of 58.9 ± 99.40, and 1.8 ± 1.52 farm workers. The distribution of pig farms with different biosecurity levels was significant (p = 0.002) and leaned toward a clustered scenario with a Moran’s index of 0.27, z score of 3.18. Out of a maximum obtainable score of 100 for each measure, ‘prophylactic herd treatment’ and ‘cleaning done daily’ had scores higher than 80. On the other hand, ‘absence of rodents, wild birds and stray animals on the farm’, ‘workers mandated use of clean and disinfected protective clothing before entering the farm’ and ‘vehicle disinfected at the entrance of the farm’ had scores lower than 5. The mean scores for bioexclusion and biomanagement/biocontainment were 21.42 ± 18.07 and 49.83 ± 25.07, respectively. The overall biosecurity score of 35.63 ± 25.84 was significantly associated with herd size, number of years since farm establishment, and owners’ education levels. In order to ensure sustainable productivity and prevent disease outbreak, pig farmers must give the utmost importance to biosecurity.