This study sought to determine if lecture is effective in improving the biosecurity knowledge and practices among backyard piggery owners in Barangay Poblacion, Lake Wood, Zamboanga del Sur. Forty (40) backyard piggery owners or caretakers were selected to be part of the study and were divided into their production system; 12 for Scavenging production and 28 for Small-scale confined. A 15-item questionnaire and checklists were used to assess knowledge and practices of the respondents. After the pre-intervention assessment, lectures about biosecurity and policies were given by the municipal veterinarian and sanitary inspector. After the intervention, evaluation of knowledge and practices was done 3 times, at 4 weeks interval. Data were gathered and then analyzed using z-test for single proportions. Data showed increase in the passing rate in knowledge area of the respondents in both Scavenging and Small-scale Confined production. However, the increase in Scavenging Production was not significant. In Small-scale Confined Pig Production an increase of 33% (p-value of 0.0002) in the passing rate in post-3 as compared to pre-intervention was observed. Improvement in the biosecurity practices was also noted in the Scavenging Pig Production but none in the Small-scale Confined. Two (2) out of 12 respondents passed the minimum biosecurity practices in Scavenging Pig Production in post evaluation 3 as compared to none in the pre-intervention. The research therefore concludes that the intervention was effective in increasing only the knowledge of Small-scale Confined Pig Production owners and the practices of Scavenging Pig production. The researcher recognizes the flaws of the study. Prior to the intervention, knowledge about biosecurity might be present in the research area already.

Keyword: Improving biosecurity knowledge and practices Backyard piggeries