Risk Factors Associated with Respiratory Infections in Poultry in Peri-Urban Areas of Dakar and Thies (Senegal)

The objective of this study is identifying the main risk factors for the emergence of respiratory diseases in poultry farms in the Senegalese region of Niayes. It took place in the period from August 2018 to February 2019 in 45 modern poultry farms in the regions of Dakar and Thiès. The analysis of the results of our study showed that the farms are very close to houses and accessible to foreign people in

44.4% and 53.1% of cases respectively. Litter was treated before use in only 24.4% of farms. Respiratory diseases are the most frequent diseases (75.6%) and are found in

80% of broiler farms. The diagnosis of respiratory diseases was made by poultry advisors (75.6%) and was based mainly on memoranda, clinical signs and autopsy. The training of poultry farmers in poultry farming (p < 0.1), the proximity of farms to homes (p < 0.05), and the accessibility of the farm to outsiders (p < 0.01) influence the occurrence of respiratory problems on poultry farms. Similarly, factors such as type of poultry speculation (p < 0.01), number of birds (p < 0.1), type of buildings (p < 0.01), bedding treatment (p < 0.05), and watering system (p < 0.05) appeared to be strongly related to the history of respiratory problems on poultry farms. Recommendations were made to improve environmental conditions and biosecurity measures to reduce the pressure of respiratory infections in poultry farms.