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Role of rodents in transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter

Meerburg, Dr BG and Kijlstra, Prof dr A (2007) Role of rodents in transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 87 (15), pp. 2774-2781.

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Summary

Salmonella and Campylobacter are generally regarded as the most important food-borne pathogens in the world. Reduction or elimination of these pathogens in the first part of the food chain (on the farm) is important to prevent disease among consumers of animal products. In organic farming, elimination becomes more difficult, as food animals are allowed outdoors and have easy access to potential sources of hazardous pathogens. Whilst
rodents are often associated by organic farmers with infrastructural damage and eating or spoiling of stored feed and products, their zoonotic risks are frequently underestimated. They can amplify the number of pathogens in the environment and transfer them to food animals. Thus organic farmers should be aware of the need for rodent
control from a food safety perspective. Preferably, rodent control should form an integral part of a total package of hygiene measures to prevent transfer of food-borne pathogens. These should also include e.g. control of wild birds and flies and obligatory disinfection of boots/clothes and equipment for farm workers and visitors.


EPrint Type:Journal paper
Keywords:rodents, rats, mice, transmission, organic farming
Subjects: Food systems > Food security, food quality and human health
Animal husbandry
Food systems > Produce chain management
Animal husbandry > Health and welfare
Research affiliation: Netherlands > Wageningen University & Research (WUR) > Animal Sciences Group ASG
Netherlands > Wageningen University & Research (WUR) > Plant Research International PRI
Deposited By: Meerburg, Dr. B.G.
ID Code:13055
Deposited On:21 Jan 2008
Last Modified:12 Apr 2010 07:36
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

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