A SURVEY OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF SYNANTHROPIC COCKROACHES IN ANIMAL FARMS AND FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS IN BULGARIA

Abstract

Cockroaches are pests of veterinary and public health importance with their role as pathogen spreaders. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of synanthropic species of cockroaches in animal farms (AFs) and food processing plants (FPPs). The survey was carried out in 52 sites (42 AFs and 10 FPPs), by questionnaire-visual survey and monitoring catch method. The presence of cockroaches was found in 78.57% of AFs and 0% of FPPs. The industrial pig farms are the most frequently and highly affected – all of them were infested in high density. The oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis L.) was the dominant species. An inhomogeneous distribution was found in invased pig farms with preferred areas of localization in the new-born sectors and sanitary filters. The obtained results are proof of the need to strengthen insect monitoring and pest control in animal farming, especially in pig farms.

Keywords

• cockroaches
• health risk
• animal farms
• food processing plants
• blatta orientalis