Safety of our prey animals
21-10-2024
We sell prey animals bred in 3 different ways:
1. SPF farmed prey animals
2. Commercially farmed prey animals
3. Commercially farmed prey animals that have been irradiated
Spf farmed prey animals
SPF prey animals are animals specifically bred and kept under conditions free of specific pathogens (disease agents). They are farms that maintain optimum breeding standards, such as using sterile breeding rooms, providing sterile food and not using medication. The word ‘SPF’ stands for Specific Pathogen-Free, meaning that these animals are free from certain micro-organisms that can cause diseases. Our SPF mice, rats and hamsters are tested for:
Viruses:
- Mice: Murine hepatitis virus (MHV), Mouse parvovirus (MPV), Sendai virus, Ectromelia (mousepox), Mouse norovirus (MNV).
- Rats: Rat coronavirus (RCV), Kilham rat virus (KRV), Hantavirus, Rat theilovirus (RTV).
Bacteria:
- Mice and rats: Helicobacter spp, Mycoplasma pulmonis, Salmonella spp, Clostridium piliforme (Tyzzer's disease).
Parasites:
- Mice and rats: Syphacia spp (pinworms), Myobia musculi (fur mites), Giardia spp.
SPF prey animals are often used in scientific research, such as biomedical research. For these studies, it is important to obtain results that are not affected by diseases. The ‘overproduction’ of these SPF bred prey animals are ideally suited for feeding zoo animals, birds of prey and reptiles. Because this type of prey animal does not carry any specific pathogens, the risk of any disease contamination by a prey animal in humans or animals is practically impossible. Our SPF prey animals are bred in Germany, France, the Netherlands and China.
Commercially farmed prey animals
Our commercially farmed prey animals are bred in farms in and outside the EU. They have less strict rules than an SPF farm applies, but of course the legally required safety standards apply here too. These farms are visited annually by a veterinarian and their animals are tested quarterly for the presence of Salmonella.
Irradiated commercially farmed prey animals
Irradiated prey animals are treated with ionising radiation to kill any potential pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, while largely preserving the nutritional value of the animal. Using irradiated prey animals offers several advantages, especially in environments where the health of the feeding animals or maintaining sterile conditions is crucial. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Reduced risk of disease transmission :
Irradiating prey animals greatly reduces the risk of disease transmission from prey animals to predators or other animals. This is especially important in zoos, breeding programmes, and when keeping exotic animals, such as reptiles.
2. Extended shelf life:
Irradiated prey animals often have an extended shelf life because the radiation slows the growth of spoilage micro-organisms. This makes it easier to stock and store food without rapid spoilage.
3. Maintaining nutritional value:
Irradiation kills pathogens without significantly affecting the nutritional value of the animal. This means the predators continue to receive necessary nutrients without exposure to harmful bacteria.
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