KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING AVIAN INFLUENZA OF BACKYARD CHICKEN FARMERS IN ESCALANTE CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study was conducted on backyard chicken farmers of Escalante City, Negros Occidental to assess their knowledge and awareness of the disease. Despite most of the respondents being aware of AI, a huge fraction believe that the disease is caused by bacteria. Moreover, most of them have low knowledge and awareness about the disease, which is supported that none of them obtained knowledge through seminars, professional assistance, or membership in any chicken-raising associations. Similar studies should be conducted by other LGUs and the government must be proactive in information dissemination about the disease.