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Large scale animal operations are a significant food safety risk

Achyut Adhikari

Large scale animal operations are (also called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations - CAFO) a significant food safety risk because of the high concentration of animals that may shed pathogens in their manure. These types of operations are often surrounded by bare ground which increases the likelihood of runoff and windborne movement of pathogens.

When assessing your farm's risk, factors to consider are:

  • The number of animals present
  • Whether the crop is downhill and/or downwind from source
  • Whether the ground is bare or has vegetation
  • Evidence of runoff into water sources or near production areas
  • Whether physical barriers are present
  • If manure management programs are used by the operation

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5/14/2015 6:57:35 PM
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