Abstract
Questionnaire survey and observational study was conducted to collect data on biosecurity measures to investigate the relationship between the application of biosecurity measures and the prevalence of avian diseases (AI was an example) in broiler farms. A total of 100 small scale broiler farms located in Qaliobiya province were included in the current study where data were collected through direct observation and interviews made with owners and workers using a structured-questionnaire during the period extended from January to December 2016. Also, five cloacal swabs were obtained from each farm to be investigated for the presence of HPAI by application of rapid avian influenza virus antigen test kit. Finally, the application of different biosecurity measures and the prevalence of AI was related and analyzed statistically. Detection of avian influenza virus antigen was carried out by using rapid avian influenza virus antigen test kit (ANIGEN® Animal Genetics, Inc. Korea). It was recorded that the total prevalence of AI was 34%. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the prevalence of AI in the five investigated districts of Qaliobiya province. The broiler farms located in Qaliob district scored the highest prevalence (50%) followed by broiler farms located in Toukh district (40%) then El Khanka (35%) then Banha (25%) and lastly El Qanater (20%). Chi-square analysis of the obtained results showed that there was a significant association between the application of traffic control measures and the prevalence of AI. Also, it was noticed that there was a significant association between the application of sanitation measures and the prevalence of AI. On contrary, there was non-significant association between isolation of the diseased houses and the prevalence of AI. Moreover, there was a significant association between the application of prophylactic measures and the prevalence of AI. At the end, it was observed that the prevalence of AI was higher in broiler farms showed relaxed biosecurity measures compared to other farms with strict biosecurity measures.

Key words: Assessment, Biosecurity, Measures, Broiler, Avian, Influenza