Ecologically based rodent management

To safeguard local food supplies an immediate priority is to control the loss of the current harvest by drastically reducing rodent damage. Both in the field and in storage. At the same time, it is essential to combat rodent vectored diseases, which amount to over 60 different diseases. For example, the Lassa-and Hanta viruses are brought by rodents. Chemical control is currently the primary driver of “Integrated Pest Management” (IPM) for rodents. This generally provides effective control in the short term, regardless of the rodent species. However, governments are concerned about the use of chemicals, especially when they are striving to provide clean and green food products for their domestic and export markets. In developing countries, the challenge is first to develop a good understanding of the ecology of the pest species and then assess the efficacy of using traditional and new methods of rodent control. This will enable adoption of management actions that are more environmentally sound and sustainable (environmentally and culturally). Therefore, Ecologically Based Rodent Management (EBRM) which promotes integrated control mechanisms could greatly improve agricultural production standards in quantity and quality and improves healthy living conditions.

Additional sources

www.rodentgreen.com