Assessment of the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Thailand: application of market chain analysis of poultry and the use of community-based disease prevention strategies
Date
2013
Authors
Limhapirom, Patchara, author
Salman, Mo, advisor
Keefe, Thomas, committee member
Wongsathapornchai, Kachen, committee member
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Abstract
An analysis of the market chain and trade pathway for the small poultry production system was conducted in Ban Klang Subdistrict, Nakhon Phanom Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI/H5N1) introduction and transmission along the poultry market chain, and then apply a community-based approach to prevent the introduction and spread of H5N1 along the identified chain. The focus was on the layer market chain because an outbreak of HPAI was reported 24 July 2006 at a layer farm in Banklang Subdistrict. Six human patients were suspected to be infected with Avian Influenza virus (AI), but no cases were reported after the surveillance was initiated (MOPH 2006). A cross-sectional analysis method was used to identify the poultry market chain and assess the risk of introduction and transmission of AI along that chain. For linking actors along the poultry market chain, the snowball sampling method was used. The data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and applying focus discussion group activity (FDG), which is part of the community-based approach, to the high-risk actors in the poultry market chain. Participants' level of knowledge, attitude and practice behaviors (KAP) regarding AI was assessed, as well as the risk of AI in the poultry market chain. From three layer product pathways—eggs, spent hens and disposal of layer manure—the findings demonstrated that the spent hens and disposal of layer manure are higher-risk pathways for the introduction and transmission of HPAI than the egg products pathway. The farmers (producers) have the highest risk of contracting the AI virus because of their constant proximity to poultry, while traders have the highest risk of transmitting the AI virus along the layer market chain as their business requires moving from farm to farm. A survey of KAP regarding AI showed that the majority of farmers had a high level of knowledge and positive practice behaviors. This was compared to traders where more than half had only moderate to low knowledge, and positive practice behaviors. The majority of farmers and traders, however, had a positive attitude toward policies of prevention and control of HPAI through a surveillance system in their community. The FDG demonstrated that other actors expected an efficient HPAI prevention system at the producer level. The results of this study showed that community involvement in an HPAI surveillance system should be considered for all related actors in the poultry market chain. In order to be effective, the policies should be followed and periodically monitored for compliance.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
analysis
poultry market chain
KAP
highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)
community-based