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Future rodent management for pig and poultry health (RODENTGATE)
Project
Project code: 2821ERA22D
Contract period: 31.03.2021
- 30.03.2024
Budget: 291,455 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: animal husbandry, knowledge transfer, networking, prevention, hygiene, husbandry techniques, pigs, poultry
The main method for commensal rodent management in the farm environment is the application of anticoagulant rodenticides. Due to safety concerns, this method is subject to increasing restrictions throughout the EU so that alternative methods are urgently needed. In the RODENTGATE project, the health risks posed by rodents to farm animals, especially in pig and poultry farming, will be investigated. The changing requirements for control measures and the principle of ecologically-based rodent management will be considered. These objectives are in focus: 1) To record the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in the rodent population (risk of infection to livestock) incl. changes in species composition and population size if conventional rodent management in/around farms is ceased. 2) Derive recommendations for ecologically and economically sustainable strategies for the management of pest rodents and associated health risks to livestock. These research aspects will be addressed: 1) Current status of rodent-borne pathogens in different husbandry systems of livestock in the EU. 2) Prevalence of relevant pathogens in pig and poultry husbandry in selected farms. 3) Role of rodents in pathogen transmission in/around the farm area at varying disturbance levels. 4) Impact of a possible ban of anticoagulant rodenticides on the health of livestock. 5) Options to help to maintain livestock health without/at further restricted use of anticoagulant rodenticides.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants – Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
