Campylobacter Positivity and Public Health Risks in Live Bird Markets, Busia, Kenya. A Value Chain Analysis

Mbai, J, Njoroge, Samuel, Obonyo, M, Otieno, C, Owiny, M and Fevre, Eric ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8931-4986 (2022) Campylobacter Positivity and Public Health Risks in Live Bird Markets, Busia, Kenya. A Value Chain Analysis. [Data Collection]

Data Catalogue DOI: 10.17638/datacat.liverpool.ac.uk/1619

Description

Introduction: Live bird markets (LBMs) are integral hubs in the poultry market chain. However, little is understood of the public health risks and emerging pathogens in LBMs serving small-holder farmers in sub-saharan Africa. We analysed such LBMs in Kenya for likely transmission of Campylobacter from poultry to humans. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 14 LBMs in a region with widespread backyard poultry systems. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to all 186 live poultry traders (LPTs) having regular contacts with poultry to gather data on market characteristics. Campylobacter was detected in individual cloacal cultures and identified through PCR. A likert-scale rating for seven-item statements assessed traders’ risk information on campylobacteriosis. The median score obtained from the outcome of risk assessment dichotomized respondents into high and low risk categories. We performed logistic regression at 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare market characteristics and Campylobacter positivity to risk categories to identify LBM-associated public health risks. Results: Markets had a median of 13 traders. Mean age; 46.3 ± 13.7 years. Majority 162/186 (87.1%) were males. Markets were supplied mostly from backyard poultry 146/186 (78.5%) and commercial breeds 23/186 (12.4%). Only 109/186 (58.6%) LPTs held bird-species separate. Campylobacter positivity in live-birds was 43/112 (38.4%, 95% CI: 29.4 – 48.1). Risk information on campylobacteriosis was low 54/186 (29%). Furthermore 156/186 (83.9%) traders reportedly accessed poultry information; 75/156 (48.1%) from fellow traders. Sanitary risks were related to LBM type, LPT category and accumulation of litter [adjusted prevalence odds ratio (aPOR): 13.32, 95% CI: 2.68–66.23]. Accessing hand-wash facilities (aPOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15–0.70) and access to information (aPOR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07–0.40) were protective. Conclusion: Imperfect information and poor market hygiene increased sanitary risks. Campylobacter-infected poultry likely contaminated the environment posing a risk to other poultry and market actors. Behavioral change among market actors is recommended.

Keywords:

Campylobacter, Kenya, Live bird market, Poultry, Public health, Risk assessment, value chain

Divisions:

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences

Depositing User:

Eric Fevre

Date Deposited:

03 Feb 2022 16:51

Last Modified:

03 Feb 2022 16:51

DOI:

10.17638/datacat.liverpool.ac.uk/1619