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- Wildlife and Animal Management
A preharvest assessment of the growing fields focusing on domestic and wild animal intrusion should be completed prior to harvest
Monitoring for animal presence is critical because they can carry or spread human pathogens in their feces
Animals and animal feces may contaminate produce if they are present in or near produce fields or water sources
Wild and domestic animals are a food safety concern
Sample Forms for the Wildlife and Animal Management Decision Tree
Are you monitoring for wildlife and domestic animal presence in your fields and production areas?
A written record of animal management, monitoring, activity, or corrective actions should be kept on file
Depending on the area affected, remove fecal material and affected product
Continue to monitor for animal presence and intrusion
All workers should be trained to identify the signs of animal intrusion and report any events to the supervisor
Properly dispose of cull piles, and minimize other harborage areas that may attract unwanted animals
Document any activity observed throughout the season
This was the final question in the Wildlife and Animal Management Decision Tree
Has documentation of animal activity management and monitoring been kept on file, including any corrective actions required to reduce the risk in the future?
Have you modified your harvest practices to reduce risks by not harvesting contaminated areas or by establishing buffer zones that reduce the risks of harvesting contaminated crops?
Has significant animal activity or animal fecal material been found in close proximity to or in direct contact with the produce?
Has a pre-harvest assessment of the crops and fields been completed?
Have your workers been trained to look for and report animal intrusion or fecal contamination during production, harvest, and packing activities?
Have you taken actions to exclude, deter, or limit animal access to fields?
Has there been significant physical evidence of animal intrusion into field or production areas (e.g. downed fences, animal, tracks, animal feces, crop destruction)?
Are you monitoring for wildlife and domestic animal presence in your fields and production areas?
Have you assessed animal access (including wildlife, livestock, and pets) to water sources, produce fields, and adjacent lands?
