Gap Certification: Animals

Summary

This video script emphasizes the importance of preventing contamination from both wild and domestic animals in crop production and packing areas. It outlines various strategies to minimize animal intrusion, such as keeping livestock away from irrigation sources and crop fields, using buffer zones like cover crops or tree lines, and assigning employees to specific areas to avoid cross-contamination. The script also advises using deterrents like electric fences or noise cannons for wild animals and monitoring fields for signs of animal activity. It encourages documenting any animal-related issues to ensure a safe and effective food safety plan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wild and domestic animals can be sources of contamination in crop production and packing areas.
• 😀 No method is 100% effective at keeping animals out, but minimizing threats is the goal.
• 😀 If livestock are present, they must be kept away from irrigation sources and crop production areas.
• 😀 Buffer options like cover crops, small tree lines, forest areas, and ditches can help minimize animal intrusion.
• 😀 Employees should be assigned to specific areas (livestock or crops) to prevent cross-contamination.
• 😀 If employees work in both areas, they should wash hands and change shoes or walk through a foot bath to prevent contamination.
• 😀 Some wild animals require stronger deterrence methods such as electric fences, noise cannons, scare balloons, or reflective tape.
• 😀 The method of deterrence depends on the type of wild animal pest.
• 😀 Production fields should be monitored for animal intrusions, including crop destruction, animal tracks, or feces.
• 😀 Any issues such as animal intrusions should be documented in the field inspection log for future reference.

Q & A

Why is it important for farms to be aware of animal contamination risks in crop production areas?

It is important because both wild and domestic animals can be sources of contamination in crop production and packing areas. Being aware allows farms to take proactive steps to minimize these risks and protect food safety.

What is the goal when managing animal contamination risks on a farm?

The goal is not to eliminate animal presence entirely but to minimize the threats posed by animals to crop production fields through preventive measures and monitoring.

What should a farm do if it has livestock present in crop production areas?

The farm should ensure that livestock are kept away from irrigation sources and crop production areas. This can be achieved through the use of buffer zones like cover crops, tree lines, or housing areas.

What are some buffer options to prevent animal contamination in crop fields?

Buffer options include planting cover crops, establishing small tree lines, creating forest areas, setting up housing areas, and ditches to create barriers between animals and crop production.

What measures should a farm take if employees work in both livestock and crop production areas?

Employees should be assigned to one area (either livestock or crops) to avoid cross-contamination. If they must work in both areas, they should wash their hands, change their boots, or walk through a foot bath.

What are some specific deterrence methods for wild animals on a farm?

Methods for deterring wild animals include using electric fences, noise cannons, scare balloons, and reflective tape, depending on the type of wild animal or pest.

Why is it necessary to monitor fields for animal intrusions?

Monitoring is necessary to detect signs of animal intrusion, such as crop destruction, animal tracks, or feces, which can be sources of contamination. This helps in taking timely corrective actions.

What should be done if animal-related issues are discovered during field inspections?

Any discoveries of animal-related issues, such as crop destruction or animal tracks, should be noted in the field inspection log for further review and action.

What is the significance of assigning employees to specific areas (livestock or crops)?

Assigning employees to specific areas helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination between livestock and crop production areas, which is crucial for maintaining food safety.

How can a farm prevent cross-contamination between livestock and crop production areas?

A farm can prevent cross-contamination by implementing measures such as hand washing, changing boots, and using foot baths when employees must work in both livestock and crop production areas.