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Vermin Control

Version 5.0 (streamlined)

Click to view all Vermin Control

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.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

Vermin Control

DR.VC.1 Key

Standards

There must be effective control of vermin (Revised)

How you will be measured

DR.VC.1.a

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

DR.VC.1.b

A site survey is completed at least annually while stock are housed and/or the feed storage areas are in use, detailing: - date of inspection - locations inspected - findings - action required - date actions completed

DR.VC.1.c

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

DR.VC.2

Standards

Toxic bait must be used responsibly (Revised)

How you will be measured

DR.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)

DR.VC.2.b

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

DR.VC.2.c

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

DR.VC.2.d

Non-target animals do not have access to baits

DR.VC.2.e

Bait is prevented from contaminating animal feed/milk storage area

DR.VC.2.f

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

DR.VC.2.g

Product label directions are followed

DR.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)

DR.VC.3

Standards

Systems must be in place to control vermin in milk production/storage areas

How you will be measured

DR.VC.3.a

In the milk storage facility doors are kept closed

DR.VC.3.b

In the parlour feed hoppers are clean and covered

DR.VC.3.c

There is no evidence of accumulated dirt from nesting birds

DR.VC.3.d

Insect elimination measures (such as screens, food-safe fly sprays, strips, electric fly killers) are positioned and managed where they cannot contaminate the product

DR.VC.3.e

Vermin access points are eliminated
  • VC.1.b  – 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.
  • VV.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.