Liphatech Ag is a division of Liphatech.com
Liphatech Ag is a division of Liphatech.com
Rodents are well-known carriers of numerous bacterial and viral diseases that can jeopardize the health of your livestock. Through contamination of feed, water, and animal environments, they can introduce harmful pathogens into your operation – putting poultry, swine, and cattle herds at risk. Establishing a rodent control program is a crucial step in protecting both your animals and your investment.
Poultry: High Risk of Disease Transmission
Rodents can track pathogens into poultry barns and leave behind droppings in feed troughs or living areas. As birds feed and interact with the contaminated environment, they may come into contact with several pathogens.
Common poultry diseases spread through rodent contamination include:
Rodents may also bite poultry while they roost, particularly targeting fat pads, leaving open sores. These wounds can become infected, potentially increasing mortality rates within the flock.
Swine: Constant Contact with Contaminated Areas
In swine facilities, rodents leave behind droppings, urine, saliva, and other bodily fluids as they travel through feeding areas. Since pigs spend much of their time feeding, they are frequently exposed to these contaminants.
Swine diseases associated with rodent transmission include:
Rodents may also physically harm pigs by gnawing on them, causing lesions that can become infected, further impacting herd health.
Cattle: Exposure Beyond the Feed Trough
Rodents affect cattle primarily through contamination of food, water, and bedding. In some cases, disease can be spread via inhalation of contaminated dust or air particles. Rodents also act as hosts for fleas and ticks, which can spread disease indirectly.
Diseases cattle may contract from rodent contamination include:
These risks underscore the importance of rodent control not just within barns, but across the entire environment where cattle eat, drink, and rest.
Feed Safety Starts Before It Reaches Your Farm
Rodent contamination can occur before feed even arrives at your operation. That’s why it’s important to work with suppliers who maintain rigorous rodent management practices. If you oversee storage or sourcing, ensure your own feed supply is also protected by a consistent and effective rodenticide program.
At Liphatech Ag, we understand the impact rodents can have on animal health and farm productivity. That’s why we offer on-farm inspections, employee training, and technical support to help you implement and maintain best-in-class rodent control programs. Check out our resources page for more information on best practices, downtime baiting, and our product line.
Need support? Reach out to your Liphatech Ag Sales Representative directly – we’re here to help protect your livestock and your bottom line.
Sources:
1 p3147.pdf (MS State University Extension)
2 Mycoplasma in Chickens | MG & MS | Freedom Ranger Hatchery
