Abattoir Practices and Animal Products Technology

PEST CONTROL

• The entrance of birds, rats, mice and insects such as flies and cockroaches can cause serious problems like dirt and may carry food-poisoning organisms -responsible for zoonoses.
• Birds - sparrows, starlings, feral pigeons and gulls inhabit areas where food and nesting material are available.
• They feed on meat scraps, dung, insects, grain and food scraps, discarded or even on occasions purposely laid by personnel.   

Control

• Rats and mice are also attracted by the presence of food and may gain entrance from adjoining properties.
• Mice are introduced into an abattoir in polystyrene insulation for use in chill rooms.
• Droppings and musk trails are indicators of their presence.
• A sketch plan of the premises indicating numbered bait points should be produced and a record of usage of each point noted, as well as dates of inspection and any structural defects.
• Insects are drawn into food premises mainly by the presence of pre-digested food, such as excreta, and by warmth.
• Nearby breeding grounds such as waste pits, stagnant ponds and sewage works may be responsible for the advent of flies.
• Plant location and design are important factors in prevention of fly infestation; for e.g, the manure bay must be sited away from meat areas.
• Insecticidal sprays should be avoided in the abattoir considering meat is a consumable commodity.