Biosecurity assessment and trading network analysis of duck farms in Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines

The Philippine duck industry has seen a steady growth in recent years. However, the industry’s association with bird flu in 2017 and the apparent low compliance to strict biosecurity were feared to set back its development. Through face to face interviews, compliance of 171 duck farms in Candaba, Pampanga to basic biosecurity measures was assessed. Majority (69%) of farms had poor compliance to these measures while 14% (24/171) and 17% (29/171) had moderate and good compliance, respectively. The trading network was also analyzed using social network analysis which revealed the wide distribution of duck and duck products on a local, regional, and national scale (reaching even to Visayas and Mindanao). The network also brought to light the importance of middlemen in the network. The results of this study suggest the need to craft appropriate policies to improve compliance to biosecurity measures in this industry. Up-scaling of the backyard style of operation and management of the industry is highly recommended. Furthermore, this study may offer a new perspective in crafting policies for disease prevention, surveillance, monitoring, and control of duck diseases and zoonosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the Philippines that assessed biosecurity and analyzed trading networks in duck farms.