Comparative comparison of biosecurity of family poultry units and management and environment knowledge of breeders in Maragheh Township

Biosecurity is a key factor in the economic productivity of rural family poultry units, as an effective component of rural household livelihoods; As well as the control and transmission of common diseases between humans and animals or the spread of other infectious agents. Knowledge is one of the most important factors in observing biosecurity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biosecurity level of rural family poultry units in Maragheh Township and the factors related to it. The research paradigm was a mixed method. The statistical population of the study consisted of local poultry farmers (rural households) in Maragheh villages. Data were gathered through interviews, observation, and a valid questionnaire from 224 rural women. These women were selected with a multi-stage randomized sampling method. Samples of the qualitative part were selected and studied by purposeful sampling and snowball. The results showed that 78.1 percent of units had a low level of biosecurity. The knowledge of 80.8 percent of rural women regarding poultry was medium. Most owners did not use vaccines and veterinary services. The birds’ cages were not disinfected or cleaned. Knowledge and education about poultry production had a positive significant correlation with the biosecurity level of units but owners’ age and yearly income had a negative correlation with the biosecurity level. The weak status of biosecurity is partly due to the owners’ low poultry production knowledge and partly due to the open space living place of the units. The reasons and motivations to observe each of the biosecurity principles were studied qualitatively.