Abstract:
Globally, biosecurity is instrumental in prevention, control and management of livestock dis-
eases and protection of human health. It is defined, prescribed, adopted and enforced
through global, regional and national frameworks, laws, policies and strategies. There is
more biosecurity practice research conducted in developed countries than developing ones.
Consequently, the gap between the ideals recommended in biosecurity frameworks and
what is practical in under-resourced rural settings is poorly understood. This anthropological
study sought to assess adoption of biosecurity practices across a cattle, sheep and goat
value chains continuum to demonstrate where risks lie. The cross-sectional mixed-methods
study took place in Baringo County, Kenya. Qualitatively, it utilized 26 focus group discus-
sions with community members and 10 observational interviews with slaughter facility work-
ers. Quantitatively, it included a household survey with 560 community members and a
separate survey with 231 livestock traders. Results show that producers, traders and
slaughter facility workers did observe some biosecurity practices but not others due but not
limited to personal preference, limitations in veterinary service delivery and enforcement of
some biosecurity measures, and lack of requisite infrastructure. The study concludes that
the implementation of biosecurity measures in rural settings is more complex than envi-
sioned in biosecurity policies and frameworks. It can be hampered by resource limitations,
poor enforcement, and contestations with cultural practices. The study recommends that
further studies on willingness to adopt biosecurity measures targeting community members
in under-resourced settings be conducted to identify possible critical points of intervention at
county and national levels.
