expellers, soya bean products, sunflower pellets, maize and other grain commodities originating in places like Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine and USA, and destined ultimately for feed compound mills in the UK and Ireland. Fumigation helps to protect the international animal feed supply
chain from injurious insects. If evidence of insects is discovered, rapid action is required and fumigation with a metallic phosphide will usually be the most suitable course of action. A fumigation using metallic phosphide, either Aluminium or Magnesium phosphide, generates toxic Phosphine gas which - in a well-sealed and correctly carried out fumigation - should kill all life cycle stages of an insect infestation. The dosage used is generally determined by the storage factor
of the commodity so for instance a lot more gas would be required to fumigate a pile of oats compared with the same quantity of wheat. However, the products currently available for fumigating grain are highly toxic and can kill. There is no antidote to Phosphine, and in the hand of an unskilled operator, these products can be deadly. The fumigation period of commodities in bulk stores or silos is
generally of a 10 to 14-day duration. At the end of the fumigation period the fumigation company will remove the fumigation residues and vent the commodity, then issue a Gas Clearance certificate when levels permit. A seven-day withholding period then applies before the commodity can be used or processed. If the fumigation is carried out on-farm this certificate should then
be supplied as part of the grain passport from the farm. This should detail the product used, dosage, its MAFF/MAPP number and the dates of the fumigation.
CHOOSE A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL TO PROTECT YOUR STOCK Due to the hazardous nature of carrying out this type of treatment, it is essential that the process of fumigation is put into the hands
Above: Always choose a trained and qualified contractor to protect your stock
of a skilled contractor who understands the pest, the product and the treatment site. This will ensure that the business, staff and any animals, remain safe during the fumigation process. If fumigation is being carried out on site by a trained operator, it
is essential that the advice and instruction of the company is followed to ensure that the fumigation is ultimately successful without putting people on site at risk. Never remove sheets or enter fumigation areas before they have been declared safe. When the services of a fumigator are required to inspect or
treat grain, always use a fumigator who holds the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) Certificate of Proficiency for Fumigation Operators, who is preferably a current full servicing member of BPCA. BPCA members meet strict membership criteria and are regularly assessed. BPCA’s fumigation training is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive Chemical Regulations Directorate.
FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on BPCA Fumigators in your area, or to ensure that your current Fumigator is suitably qualified to carry out the work they are doing, contact BPCA on 01332 294288 / or visit
bpca.org.uk
Left: Venting in progress (Pictures courtesy BPCA and AFS) FEED COMPOUNDER JULY/AUGUST 2021 PAGE 51
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