Socio-Economic Status and Level of Biosecurity Practice of Catfish Farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone, Delta State, Nigeria

The socio-economic status and level of practice of biosecurity measures amongst catfish farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State were assessed. Data was collected randomly from 115 catfish farmers by oral interview and administration of structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze data collected. Results obtained show that catfish farmers had a mean of 45 years, dominated by males with 54.8 % having secondary education and 7.8 years experience in fish farming. The coefficients for stocking density, source of fish seed, organic inclusions, workers shower, access restrictions, a record of fish disease and pathogen management were highly significant (P<0.05). It implies that these variables are important factors influencing the practice of biosecurity measures in the study area. A poor level of practice of biosecurity was observed with a large number of negative coefficients of independent variables, implying that increases in the magnitude of these variables may lead to a reduction in the level of biosecurity practice amongst catfish farmers in the area. This study also observed that the practice of biosecurity measures was not an important issue among catfish farmers. Guidelines supported by appropriate legislation is needed to enforce practice and compliance of biosecurity practice.