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Rodent infestations are a persistent problem for Australia’s chicken meat and egg laying industries. Rodents pose a major risk to food safety and food hygiene by contaminating feed and their ability to transmit disease-causing organisms through their feet, fur, saliva, droppings, urine and blood. Rodents can also cause significant damage to farm facilities. They chew through walls, insulation and wiring to gain access to food and to scavenge building materials for their nests and burrows. This can compromise the structural integrity of shed walls, floors and ceilings, undermine disease barriers, and create energy inefficiencies that increase operating costs. Rodent control is therefore a key part of a farm’s biosecurity strategy, and must be appropriately considered and implemented to lessen the risks outlined. This project was developed to address knowledge gaps and to raise awareness of the current state of rodent control in the Australian chicken meat and egg industries.

The literature review delivers a comprehensive review of scientific literature on available and emerging rodent control products suitable for use in chicken meat and egg (layer) production systems.

The document highlights the advantages, disadvantages, risks and regulatory requirements associated with specific active compounds, and gives producers an objective comparison of all rodenticides currently registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Information about target species behaviour and ecology, integrated rodent management strategies, and novel and emerging rodent control products is also included.