International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Saurav Dutta, Lalmalsawmi Rokhum, Janmoni Shyam, Monosri Johari, Leema Bora, Sadananda Payeng, Nayandeep Kalita, Richamoni Deuri, Polash D Boro and Kukil Saikia

abstract
Farm biosecurity is crucial for preventing diseses and maintaining animal health. The present study was conducted to assess the biosecurity practices adopted by the livestock farmers in Dimoria development block of Kamrup (M), Assam, India, using a standardized scoring system. Three numbers of villages viz, Bortari, Borghuli and Keotpara were selected purposively and a total of 40 livestock farmers from each village were selected purposively making the total sample size of 120 farmers. It was observed that among the different aspects of biosecurity, 50 per cent of the respondents provided fence around the farm premises, regularly cleaned their animal sheds and farm utensils like feeders/drinkers. More than 50 per cent of the respondents vaccinated their livestock regularly, informed or contacted veterinarian /paravets during disease occurrence and death of animals, while they scored low in provision of foot dip/bath before entering farm premises, quarantine of newly purchased animals, quarantine of sick animals, deworming schedule followed for different species kept, use of disinfectant in farm, changing of clothes and slippers before entering farm premises, restrict/ prohibit entry of other visitor/vendors to farm premises, safe disposal of dead animals and manure. Noteably the farmers with higher education, high annual income tended to have adopted better biosecurity. This study highlighted the need for improvement in biosecurity measures on livestock farms inorder to enhance animal health and reduce disease risk in the region.