Unfortunately, this kind of experience seems to be more common all the time.That first sweaty feeling you get?? At first, you might chalk it up to being tired, or thirsty, but 15 minutes later, you know there’s no way around it. You’ve got food poisoning…

Cases of food borne illnesses have increased significantly

Cases of food borne illnesses have increased by 114% over a 4-year period between 2013 and today. The information comes from a study released, just this month, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study found that a bacteria called Campylobacter has continued to be the #1 cause of food borne illness. Salmonella and Shigella, two other bird-related bacteria, remain in 2nd and 3rd place, and something needs to be done about it.In order to keep ahead of the increased standards, the bird control and pest control community need to take a hard look at the roots and stems of contamination. Consistent with rodent and insect mitigation, bird control at food processing plants and facilities is imperative for maintenance of a clean and contamination free environment. In 2008 the World Health Organization (WHO) published, PUBLIC HEALTH: Significance of Urban Pests. In the chapter on birds, pigeons are described as carriers of 60+ transmissible diseases. Notably among the bacteria, Campylobacter jejuni, the agent of campylobacterosis and common in animal and bird feces.

Large flocks of pigeons pose a variety of health threats. From visible excrement to fecal dust, from nests to debris, the visual and practical effect both the reputation of the product and plant operations. That’s not to mention the health and moral of employees at the plant itself!

Thanks to FoodNet, which has been tracking incidents of food borne illness and trends since 1996, and Ovocontrol, industry and its key regulators, have the capacity to be proactive and intentional about the treatment and care of poultry and facilities in this growing industry. Together, we can decrease risks and casualties of food borne illness for our clients and employee populations.