Vermin control

 

Vermin such as rodents or flies play a significant role in both the mechanical and biological transmission of certain infectious germs within a farm but also between neighboring farms. Next to that, they are highly undesirable in a poultry house because they can damage equipment (isolation, electricity..) and create restlessness and stress in the animals.   

To control vermin, an efficient control program is required. Draw up a separate treatment plan for rodents and flies:

-          what product you will use and what kind of trap

-          what actions have been taken

-          where and how often these measures are implemented

-          date and initial every treatment

A program of this kind will comply with any quality audit. 

 

A vermin prevention plan should have 3 stages.

1.       monitoring: carry out an inspection

2.       management: cut off their sources of food and water, while at the same time getting rid of them. It is important to prevent that vermin can house in the neighborhood of the stables. This can be achieved by avoiding the presence of all types of hiding places near to the stables (e.g. plants, piles of dirt…). In addition, the feed should be stored in well-closed feed silos with no access for rodents or birds.

3.       control: control of vermin can be done with vermicides or traps which are applied on walking lines used by the vermin. Vermicides are hazardous substances if not used sensibly. Keep them in a closed store and only in places which are inaccessible to the animals.