Ducks Standards

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Vermin Control Version 5.1 (modified)

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KH.VC.1 KH.VC.2

Glossary

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

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AIM: Effective and responsible control of birds, rodents, insects and other animals to prevent contamination and food safety risk

KH.VC.1 Key

There must be effective control of vermin

How you will be measured

KH.VC.1.a

No build-up of vegetation close to farm structures that could harbour vermin

KH.VC.1.b

A site survey is completed at least quarterly, detailing: - date of inspection - locations inspected - findings - actions required - date actions completed

KH.VC.1.c

Dead/trapped vermin are searched for and disposed of when bait points are checked

Site surveys

KH.VC.2

Toxic bait must be used responsibly

How you will be measured

KH.VC.2.a

Prior to treatment with baits the use of non-chemical control methods is considered first followed by the least toxic alternatives (see Appendix – risk hierarchy)

KH.VC.2.b

An Environmental Risk Assessment is undertaken in accordance with the Appendix before bait is laid

KH.VC.2.c

Where baits are used a Bait Plan identifies: - location of bait points - bait used - bait point inspection - replenishment dates

KH.VC.2.d

Non-target animals do not have access to baits

KH.VC.2.e

Bait is prevented from contaminating animal feed

KH.VC.2.f

Permanent baiting is not routinely undertaken and toxic bait is removed when treatment is finished

KH.VC.2.g

Product label directions are followed

KH.VC.2.h

A documented COSHH assessment is carried out where there are 5 or more employees

Environmental Risk Assessment
Bait Plan
COSHH assessment (where applicable)

Where to find help

The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use code of best practice: https://www.thinkwildlife.org/code-of-best-practice/
HSE step-by-step guide to COSHH assessment: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg97.htm

More Standards

Beef & Lamb

Chicken

Crops & Sugar Beet

Dairy

Dairy Goats

Fresh Produce

Pigs

Turkeys

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Download Duck Standards Manual

Download the changes to the Duck Standards from 1 February 2025

Templates, Examples & Guides

Environmental Risk Assessment Form

Site Survey

Vermin Control Bait Plan

Guidance

VC.1 – A site survey is a record of every inspection and/or survey undertaken to look for signs of rodent activity and/or environmental management requirements
VC.2 – Permanent baiting is the application of a rodenticide product when no active infestation is present. Permanent baiting is strictly limited to sites with a high potential for reinvasion when other methods of control have proven insufficient and can only be carried out by professional users and only with products authorised for this use

Appendix

VC.2 Vermin Control