Assessment of Biosecurity Practices and Their Status in Commercial Poultry Farms in Mekelle City, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Poultry production in northern Ethiopia faces frequent disease outbreaks, largely due to poor implementation of biosecurity measures. Despite its importance, farm-level biosecurity has not been systematically assessed in Tigray. This study aimed to evaluate biosecurity practices and identify factors influencing biosecurity status among commercial poultry farms in Mekelle, Tigray. A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted among 233 commercial poultry farms (201 small-scale and 32 medium-scale). Biosecurity indicators were categorized as conceptual, structural, and operational, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Most farms had basic structural biosecurity measures like fencing and restricted access, but operational practices such as regular disinfection and visitor control were inconsistent. Education level (χ² = 25.83, p < 0.001) and previous biosecurity training (χ² = 3.94, p = 0.047) were significantly associated with higher biosecurity scores. These results contribute valuable empirical evidence to the limited literature on poultry biosecurity in low-resource settings and can guide regional livestock policy formulation. Suboptimal biosecurity practices prevail in most commercial poultry farms, emphasizing the need for improved education, training, and enforcement to reduce disease risks and enhance productivity. Future studies should incorporate longitudinal and microbial components to link biosecurity compliance with actual disease outcomes, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its impact on poultry health and economic returns.