Factors correlated with the presence of rodents on outdoor pig farms in Denmark and suggestions for management strategies

Abstract

The correlation between farm characteristics and the occurrence and importance of rodent pests on outdoor pig farms in Denmark was explored in an extensive questionnaire survey, Mice occurred on most farms but were only rarely considered a problem, as opposed to rats, which were controlled on more than half of the farms, A series of trapping studies showed a high small-mammal diversity in and around the pigsties, The presence of rats was positively correlated with farm size, the presence of straw stacks near the pigsties and the use of automatic feeders, Rats were considered a problem more often when open drinking basins were used or when feed was stored near the pigsties, The environment of the farm did not play an important role except to some extent the proximity of hedges, Recommendations for preventative rodent management include avoiding conditions indicated previously, frequent mucking out and movement of huts, keeping feed in rodent-proof containers, avoid spillage of fodder, and general cleanliness, Direct control methods include application of rodenticides with proper consideration for the risk of unintended poisoning of production animals, the use of traps, keeping dogs or cats, and possibly shooting,

The influence of strain and age on some egg quality parameters of commercial laying hens

“…Bromadiolone efficacy against the same farm pest ranged from 92.7% to 100% (mean 92.4%) in another trial (Rowe et al, 1981). Our results in efficacy testing of products on the basis of bromadiolone and brodifacoum against house mouse (Mus musculus) and Norway-grey rat (Rattus norvegicus) are in accordance with those reported by other authors (Rowe et al, 1981;Parshad et al, 1987;Brooks and Rowe 1987;Quy, 1992;Milić, 1999;Vukša et al, 2002;Leirs at al., 2004;Vukša 2008). …”

“…In Serbia the grey rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the commonest wich couses the serious damage, not only through consumed foood quantitty, an adult rat may eat 10,9 kg annually, but also through pollution and contamination up to nine time fold more of foood (Kataranovski at al., 1988;Dunđerski at al., 1999;Djukić et al, 2005). Rodents have important epidemic significance as natural source and main vector of pathogens of animal and human origin or indirectly by numerous ectoparasites (Gratz, 1988;Morita, 1995;Stajković at al., 1995;Leirs, at al., 2004;Olumide, 2008;Kyriakis and Alexopulos, 2011). In our country it is recorded several cases of trichinelosis and hemorragic fever wich were quite often ended with death.…”

Role of rodents in transmission ofSalmonellaandCampylobacter

“…Generally, the species diversity around farm buildings corresponds to what can be encountered in the surrounding natural or seminatural environment. 30 Within poultry farms, infected rodents are often reported, although no distinction has been revealed between organic and conventional systems. Some authors 31 found a high prevalence (24%) of S. enteritidis in commensal rodents present on contaminated chicken layer farms.…”

“…In Denmark it was found that mice were regularly observed on 69% of the farms but that their presence was rarely considered a problem by the farmers. 30 Only 9% of the farmers considered the presence of mice problematic. Rats were more often seen as a problem (by 26% of the farmers), though they were only observed regularly on 39% of the farms.…”

Presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. in Wild Small Mammals on Organic Farms

“…Prevention of the introduction of zoonotic agents in the primary production is strongly dependent on the level of biosecurity. Wild rodents may spread zoonotic bacteria between farms (5,6,10,14). This risk may be even greater in organic production, where contact with livestock is more likely and rodenticides are used less often.…”