Rodent Control
- Rodents do not like exposed situations. Remove all rubbish and
overgrown vegetation from outside the buildings. Ideally all
buildings should be surrounded by a 1-2 meter wide concrete
walk-way. Keep weeds and grass short
- Ensure all bagged feed is stacked tidily on pallets off the
floor and away from the walls
- Food must be stored in closed containers
- All spilt food under feed bins must be swept up and removed
- All rubbish must be placed in rodent proof containers
- Block all holes where ever possible. Wire mesh on windows must
be 6 mm to keep out mice. Seal junctions between walls, floors and
ceilings with metal sheeting
- Seal water cisterns and header tanks. Seal and remove obsolete
plumbing. Rodents require large quantities of water
- Depending on the farms health status, Cats and dogs are not to
be used as rodent control as they are a health risk to the pigs
(i.e. Pseudorabies/Aujeszky's Disease)
- Prepare a map of the farm and examine for evidence of rats.
Examine at least 100 meters around the farm
- On the map mark out the position of the permanent baits and
where clearance baits are to be placed
- All bait boxes should be new and numbered
- Clearance baits: Check baits every week and continue
baiting for one week after baits have stopped being taken
- Permanent baits: Check baits every 2 weeks. If signs of
feeding are found replenish the bait and re-survey the premises.
Place baits in drain pipes placed at the base of straw.
Rodent bait map
- Burn all dead rodents found and all unused clearance bait
boxes
- Prevent access to the bait by children and other animals
- Wear impervious gloves when handling dead rodents and baits
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling baits or rodents
- Operator must be familiar with the safety rules for the
rodenticide/baits being used
- Empty rodenticide/bait containers must not be re-used for any
purpose
- In buildings which can be sealed, fumigation may be effective
to reduce a serious infestation to controllable levels
- In straw stacks build stack on sand and plastic. Insert drain
pipes while building the stack so that the inside of the straw
stack can be baited throughout the storage period
Rodent control areas of concern:
Rubbish by building |
Rubbish along building provide areas for rodents to hide |
All buildings should have a 1-2 meter walk way to reduce rodent
risks |
Bags
opened |
Feed bags with rodent damage and evidence of fecal contamination |
Stored bagged feed on pallets
|
Waste
feed |
Spilt feed by feed bin |
Holes in feeders leading to waste feed |
Water
leaking |
Water, in particular poorly cleaned drinkers provide rodents
with waster and allow for the build up of disease |
Insulation |
Insulation can be seriously damaged and reduced through rodents |
Rodent bait placement map.
All bait boxes should be numbered |
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PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Biosecurity
Isolation
Farrowing
Breeding
AI
Gestation
Nursery
Finishing
Hospital
Transport
Slaughter
Records
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