Porcine Circovirus type 2 – Systemic disease on pig farms and associated knowledge of key players in the pig industry in Central Uganda

Wilfred, Eneku; Mutebi, Francis; Mwiine, Frank Norbert; James, Okwee-Acai; Lonzy, Ojok

After obtaining consent to participate in the study, pre-tested semistructured questionnaires were administered to collect data from the farmers or their representatives. On farm level, data were collected on pig farm management practices and occurrence of PCV2-SD implicating clinical signs. In-depth interviews were conducted using interview guides to establish key informants' (n = 12) knowledge and awareness on PCV2-SD. Key informants included actively practicing veterinarians from the study districts (n = 6), clinicians from the Veterinary School, Makerere University (n = 2) and veterinary practitioners working in major veterinary drug outlets in each of the study districts (n = 4). Three FGDs were conducted in each of the districts of Mpigi, Mukono and Wakiso to validate data collected using questionnaires and get an in depth insight into the level of pig farmers knowledge on PCV2-SD. The FGDs were constituted by 9 to 12 farmers each (total of 31 participants) and lasted up to 50 min. The discussions focused on: knowledge/ awareness about PCV2-SD and treatment/prevention of chronic diarrhea. Proceedings were documented in writing by two independent repertoires.