Insurance coverage for the egg / poultry farmer
Like any business owner, a poultry farm owner faces many commercial liability risks. Storms, floods, fires, insect and rodent damage, and equipment are perhaps more real for this industry than others.
However, the real threat it represents for these types 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 they can cause a threat to health.
Lately, there has been a salmonella scare about eggs sold in various states in the US Because of this, more than two hundred million eggs have been recalled by egg producers!
Consumers have been told not to eat or cook the eggs. Instead, they have been ordered to return the eggs to the outlets where they were purchased and receive a refund.
A quick summary on salmonella
• More than one million US residents become infected with Salmonella annually. This has prompted 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 more prone to Salmonella food poisoning, but the infection is more dangerous for infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
• Most Salmonella episodes are cured in 4 to 7 days with bed rest and drinking water and juice. Some cases, however, resolve only with the use of antibiotics.
Chicken, turkey and egg farm insurance
If a Salmonella outbreak affects the chicken, turkey and egg farm, there will be a significant loss of income for the owner. Furthermore, lawsuits are bound to arise. All of this points to the importance of having sufficient business related insurance coverage.
Associated Farm Insurance protects farm-raised poultry and feed mills. In addition, it protects the economic sponsors of large flocks of chickens and geese raised to become broilers, breeders or those raised for egg production.
Coverage is generally prepared on an “all risks” form that is written exclusively for the poultry farmer. This type of insurance covers the mortality of poultry due to climatic or humid conditions, etc. This can cover weather conditions on the farm or even while poultry is being moved from one location to another in a vehicle.
Other hazards to the poultry farm can include:
• Mishandling of chemicals
• Leakage from storage tanks or ponds on the property
• The harsh conditions of poultry
A select group of related agricultural insurance plans also cover pollution risks.