Effect of Avian Influenza on Household Consumption of Poultry Products: Evidence from First Outbreak in Ogun State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of Avian Influenza (AI) on the household consumption of poultry products during the first outbreak of the disease in Ogun State, Nigeria. Furthermore, determinants influencing poultry products consumption during the outbreak were identified. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 households and a well structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and regression techniques. Egg consumption reduced significantly dropping from an average of 40 eggs/month to 29 eggs/month (p=0.038) during the AI outbreak. The average chicken expenditure/month dropped significantly from N1116.44 to N991.96 (p=0.019). Awareness of AI, educational level and amount spent on food consumption were the significant factors that contributed to the consumption of poultry products during the AI outbreak. The study therefore recommended that members of the public should be properly sensitized on safety precautions that should be cultivated before the consumption of poultry products especially during outbreaks of diseases.