Disease awareness of the poultry keepers in Switzerland and their access to information concerning highly pathogenic avian influenza

The passive surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic poultry is based essentially on the reporting of suspicious clinical cases by the poultry keepers to the veterinary services. As little was known about HPAI disease awareness among Swiss poultry keepers, a cross-sectional study was conducted among poultry keepers in Switzerland in 2007. For data triangulation and complementary information, interviews have been conducted with experts of poultry marketing organizations. The main information source used by the poultry keepers was mass media. Having a non-commercial poultry husbandry was significantly associated with lower knowledge scores. Non-commercial poultry keepers felt neglected by the veterinary authorities. Risks perceived by the poultry keepers reflected well the officially communicated risks for HPAI introduction. By highlighting the needs and the knowledge level of the poultry keepers, we make recommendations with regard to more efficient information exchange between poultry keepers and veterinary authorities. The main challenge will be to consistently integrate non-commercial poultry keepers in the formal information channels