Knowledge and Practices of Poultry Handlers Regarding Avian Influenza in Sokoto State

Avian influenza continues to pose a recurrent threat to poultry production and public health in Nigeria. This study examined the knowledge and practices of poultry handlers regarding avian influenza in selected local government areas of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 poultry farmers, traders, and live-bird market workers using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and frequencies, means, and chi-square statistics were computed. The study found that only 38% of respondents had adequate knowledge of avian influenza transmission routes, and just 26% correctly identified the clinical signs in birds. A majority of respondents did not practice biosecurity measures consistently, with fewer than 30% reporting regular disinfection of poultry housing. Lack of formal veterinary education, reliance on traditional poultry management systems, and economic constraints were identified as key barriers. The study concludes that knowledge gaps and poor practice standards significantly increase the risk of avian influenza spread within and beyond poultry markets. It recommends intensified community-based health education, deployment of extension officers, and establishment of rapid response infrastructure to contain outbreak events at the source. Keywords: avian influenza, poultry, biosecurity, Sokoto State, zoonosis