Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of poultry farmers regarding avian influenza in South West Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Avian influenza (AI) poses a significant threat to poultry production and public health in Nigeria. Human behaviour at the farm level, shaped by knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP), is central to disease prevention and control. This study assessed the KAP of poultry farmers and farm managers regarding avian influenza across South West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 poultry farmers recruited via convenience sampling between March and May 2026. Given the small, non-probability sample ( n = 102 of a calculated minimum of 384), findings are presented as exploratory rather than definitive. A validated, structured questionnaire assessed three KAP domains, each scored against a 60% threshold for satisfactory performance. Satisfactory KAP was recorded in 84.3%, 94.1%, and 92.2% of respondents for knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, respectively. A critical knowledge gap was identified: only 49.0% knew that thorough cooking of poultry products prevents human transmission. Whilst financial risk from an outbreak was widely acknowledged (88.2%), only 60.8% perceived personal risk of infection. Age group ( p = 0.019), educational level ( p = 0.002), and formal poultry management training ( p = 0.014) were significantly associated with satisfactory knowledge (Fisher’s Exact Test). In the adjusted model, respondents aged 31 to 40 years had significantly higher odds of satisfactory knowledge than those aged 60 or older (AOR = 54.37; p = 0.009). This estimate carries a wide confidence interval (2.73 to 1083.72) and should be interpreted with caution. Despite generally satisfactory KAP, dangerous gaps in food safety knowledge and personal risk perception persist. Health messaging should prioritise the zoonotic and food safety dimensions of AI, and formal training programmes should be expanded. Rebuilding institutional trust through transparent veterinary services and considering compensation mechanisms may help improve outbreak reporting, although this warrants confirmation in larger, representative studies.