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Assessment of Poultry Farmers’ Adoption of Recommended Vaccination Schedules

Abstract

Recommended vaccination schedules are essential for effective poultry health management because timely vaccination helps protect birds against preventable diseases, reduce mortality, and minimise production losses. Poultry farmers need to follow appropriate vaccination schedules based on the age, type, and health status of their birds to achieve effective disease protection. Assessing farmers’ adoption of recommended vaccination schedules is therefore important for understanding poultry health management practices and identifying gaps that may affect disease prevention. This study will assess poultry farmers’ adoption of recommended vaccination schedules. The study will determine the extent to which poultry farmers follow recommended vaccination schedules and identify the specific vaccination practices adopted on their farms. It will also examine farmers’ knowledge of vaccination requirements and identify factors that may influence their adherence to recommended schedules. The study will focus on farmers’ adoption of age-specific vaccination schedules, timing and frequency of vaccination, appropriate vaccine selection, vaccine administration procedures, vaccine storage and handling, maintenance of vaccination records, and compliance with recommended intervals between vaccinations. It will also examine farmers’ sources of information on poultry vaccination, including agricultural extension agents, veterinarians, poultry associations, input suppliers, farmer groups, training programmes, and other agricultural information channels. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from selected poultry farmers using structured questionnaires designed to assess their adoption of recommended vaccination schedules. Data will be analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while appropriate statistical techniques such as correlation and regression analysis may be used to examine relationships between farmers’ characteristics, access to technical information, and adoption levels. The study is expected to reveal varying levels of adoption of recommended vaccination schedules among poultry farmers. Farmers with greater access to agricultural extension services, veterinary advice, poultry training, and reliable vaccination information may demonstrate higher levels of adherence. However, factors such as inadequate access to vaccines, high vaccination costs, limited extension contact, poor cold-chain facilities, difficulties in accessing veterinary services, and insufficient knowledge may affect farmers’ consistent adoption of recommended schedules. The study will be useful to poultry farmers, agricultural extension agents, veterinarians, poultry health specialists, poultry associations, agricultural development agencies, government livestock departments, research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and researchers. It may provide useful information on gaps in poultry vaccination practices and support the development of programmes aimed at improving disease prevention. The findings may also assist stakeholders in strengthening farmer education, vaccine access, and advisory services related to poultry vaccination. The study concludes that adoption of recommended vaccination schedules is important for effective poultry disease prevention and sustainable poultry production. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension and livestock development agencies strengthen farmer education through practical demonstrations, regular farm visits, vaccination training, and accessible information materials. Poultry farmers should also be encouraged to follow recommended vaccination schedules, maintain accurate vaccination records, handle vaccines appropriately, and seek professional guidance when necessary to improve poultry health and productivity.

Keywords: Poultry farmers, adoption, vaccination schedules, poultry vaccination, recommended practices, disease prevention, poultry health, vaccine administration, vaccine storage, poultry production, agricultural extension, veterinary services, farmer training, poultry diseases, livestock management.