Wildlife and Domestic Animal Management

Wild and domestic animals are a food safety concern because they can carry human pathogens in their feces and can spread contamination around fields as they move. Animals are a natural part of the farm environment, so complete exclusion is not possible. In addition to direct contamination of the crop in the field, it is important to recognize that animal feces could also contaminate water sources used during production, leading to cross-contamination of crops.

Management of wildlife on your farm may be subject to rules and regulations enforced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Always check current regulations before implementing a program that may disturb local wildlife.