Biosecurity measures to reduce influenza infections in military barracks in Ghana

• Published in: BMC research notes Vol. 8; no. 1; p. 14
• Main Authors: Agbenohevi, Prince Godfred, Odoom, John Kofi, Bel-Nono, Samuel, Nyarko, Edward Owusu, Alhassan, Mahama, Rodgers, David, Danso, Fenteng, Suu-Ire, Richard D, Bonney, Joseph Humphrey Kofi, Aboagye, James, Kronmann, Karl C, Duplessis, Chris, Oyofo, Buhari Anthony, Ampofo, William Kwabena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central 23.01.2015; BioMed Central Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis; Animal Husbandry - education; Animal Husbandry - manpower; Animals; Avian influenza; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Biosecurity; Chickens; Disease Outbreaks - prevention & control; Disease transmission; Female; Ghana; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Infection; Influenza A virus; Influenza A virus - physiology; Influenza in Birds - prevention & control; Influenza in Birds - transmission; Life Sciences; Male; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Medicine/Public Health; Middle Aged; Military Personnel - education; Prevention; Public Health; Risk Factors; Safety and security measures; Security Measures - organization & administration; Short Report; Soldiers; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaccination; Zoonoses; Zoonoses - prevention & control; Ghana; Pandemic avian influenza; Ghana; Backyard poultry; Biosecurity; Education; Military
• ISSN: 1756-0500; 1756-0500
• DOI: 10.1186/s13104-014-0956-0

Background Military barracks in Ghana have backyard poultry populations but the methods used here involve low biosecurity measures and high risk zoonosis such as avian influenza A viruses or Newcastle disease. We assessed biosecurity measures intended to minimize the risk of influenza virus infection among troops and poultry keepers in military barracks. Findings We educated troops and used a questionnaire to collect information on animal populations and handling practices from 168 individuals within 203 households in military barracks. Cloacal and tracheal samples were taken from 892 healthy domestic and domesticated wild birds, 91 sick birds and 6 water samples for analysis using molecular techniques for the detection of influenza A virus. Of the 1090 participants educated and 168 that responded to a questionnaire, 818 (75%) and 129 (76.8%) respectively have heard of pandemic avian influenza and the risks associated with its infection. Even though no evidence of the presence of avian influenza infection was found in the 985 birds sampled, only 19.5% of responders indicated they disinfect their coops regularly and 28% wash their hands after handling their birds. Vaccination of birds and use of personal protective clothing while handling the birds were low putting the people at risk. Conclusion Though some efforts have been made to improve biosecurity practices, interventions that help to protect the poultry flock from direct contact have to be practiced. Basic hygiene like washing of hands with soap and running water and regular cleaning of chicken coops are needed to prevent the spread of diseases among birds and between birds and humans.