Like any business owner, a poultry farm owner faces many business liability risks. Storms, floods, fires, insect and rodent damage, and equipment are perhaps more real to this industry than others.
However, the real threat that hangs over this type of farmers is related to the dreaded salmonella bacteria. Salmonella contamination can result in food poisoning. In the case of the poultry farmer, the eggs can become infected and, if ingested by the public, can cause a health threat.
Lately, there has been a salmonella scare about eggs being sold in several states in the US. Over two hundred million eggs have been recalled by egg farmers because of this!
Consumers have been told not to eat or cook the eggs. Instead, they have been instructed to return the eggs to the retail outlets where they were purchased and receive a refund.
A Brief Overview of Salmonella
• More than one million US residents are infected with Salmonella each year. This has led hospitals to admit twenty-three thousand patients and is the cause of four hundred and fifty related deaths.
• Children under the age of twelve are most prone to Salmonella food poisoning, but the infection is most dangerous for infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
• Most Salmonella rashes clear up in 4 to 7 days with bed rest and drinking water and juice. Certain cases, however, are resolved only with the use of antibiotics.
Chicken, turkey and egg farm insurance
If a Salmonella outbreak hits the chicken, turkey and egg farm, there will be a significant loss of income for the owner. Furthermore, the lawsuits are bound to surface. All of this points to the importance of having sufficient business related insurance coverage.
Associated Farm Insurance protects poultry raised on property and in feed factories. In addition, it protects financial backers of large flocks of chickens and geese raised to become broilers, breeders, or raised for egg production.
Coverage is usually prepared on an “all risk” form that is written exclusively for the poultry farmer. This type of insurance covers the mortality of birds due to climatic or humidity conditions, etc. This can cover weather conditions on the farm or even while birds are moving from one location to another in a vehicle.
Other hazards to the poultry farm may include:
• Mishandling of chemical products
• Infiltration of storage tanks or ponds on the property
• Harsh conditions for poultry
A select group of related agricultural insurance plans also cover contamination risks.
