Improving biosecurity to reduce antimicrobial use and poultry losses in Uganda

A longitudinal study titled 'Prevalence and transmission of cefotaxime resistant Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) in broiler poultry farms in Wakiso, Uganda' to investigate antimicrobial use (AMU) and exposure risks to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the peri-urban district of Wakiso, Uganda, found that many farmers do not implement adequate biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens both within and outside their farms. Conducted from March to September 2024 across 20 farms in six sub-counties, the study found average biosecurity scores of 57% for internal measures, 27% for external measures and 39% overall.

On 27 and 28 June 2024, researchers from the Boosting Uganda’s Investment in Livestock Development (BUILD) project, led by the International Livestock Research Institute, shared these findings with key stakeholders in the poultry industry. The meeting held at Kasangati Town Council, included farmers, veterinary practitioners and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

The 2021 National Livestock Census reports that Uganda’s chicken population stands at 57.8 million, with 69.9% are indigenous breeds and 30.1% exotic. Poultry farming is widespread, with 4.8 million households, - representing 70.6% of livestock-keeping households. Poultry production remains a key component of the government’s poverty alleviation initiatives.

Fred Ssegamwenge, the coordinator of the Operation Wealth Creation program said, ‘the success of government poverty eradication programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) depends on how much knowledge the beneficiaries have. Poultry is one of the areas we are focusing on, and we appreciate that farmers have access to scientific knowledge on profitable poultry farming.’ 

During data collection, researchers trained to farmers on best practices in poultry farm management. 

Promoting good farm management 

Moreover, the study showed widespread poor farm management practices resulting in less-than-optimal productivity. Although few deaths were recorded, all flocks in the surveyed farms displayed clinical signs of disease. Alarmingly, 90% of the flocks lacked sufficient antibody protection against Gumboro, Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis, despite being vaccinated.

Between March to September 2023, 21% of the farms reported the presence of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli in chickens. Cefotaxime is a key antibiotic of human importance (belonging to the “Reserve” category), and there may be a likelihood of sharing these resistant bacteria between chicken and farm workers.

Dreck Ayebare, a PhD student at ILRI and one of the study researchers said, "We observed a worrying trend of farmers vaccinating their birds without following a vaccination schedule. In most cases, no records were kept."

The study found that birds raised on farms with good management practices were healthier, grew faster and experienced fewer infections, resulting in reduced treatment costs. These farms also had a lower risk of pathogens spreading between birds and humans and a reduced risk of AMR due to more controlled antibiotic use. 

Godfrey Bamundaga, the district veterinary officer, said, ‘The results reiterate the importance of good management practices in promoting farm productivity. We encourage farmers to desist from medicating birds without veterinary supervision’.  
 

Improving biosecurity to boost productivity

Researchers from the study encouraged farmers to adopt good management practices to enhance productivity and reduce disease risks. Key recommendations included maintaining good records, restricting access to farms, disinfecting people and vehicles entering the farms, isolating sick birds from healthy ones, wearing protective clothing, and properly disposing of carcasses. Farmers were also advised to ensure that vaccinations are administered by qualified professionals following a vaccination schedule and transporting vaccines in correct containers at correct temperatures.

Farmers were highly receptive to the feedback and lessons on improving farm productivity. They asked questions about various aspects of poultry management, including feeding and disease control, which were addressed by the respective local veterinarians.

Ruth Mazzi, a farmer from Kiteezi Sub-County said, "This research is beneficial to farmers because it provides the information we need to improve our farms. The recommendations will help improve the implementation of good management practices, leading to the improved health and productivity of our flocks."

ILRI and its partners will continue supporting farmers in adopting recommended biosecurity practices for semi-intensive broiler farms in Uganda, aiming to enhance productivity in their poultry enterprises. 

This work was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Boosting Uganda’s Investment in Livestock Development (BUILD) project. Additional support was received from the CGIAR One Health Initiative 'Protecting Human Health through a One Health Approach' which is supported by contributors to the CGIAR Trust Fund (https://www.cgiar.org/funders/)