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Minnesota turkey grower having success deterring wild birds with lasers

A Minnesota turkey grower is using lasers to help protect his flock from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Jake Vlaminck of Fahlun Farms says he was one of the first turkey growers in the state to use lasers to deter wild birds.

“It’s an autonomous laser that moves around and it scares away any wild birds that might come close to our barns. And it seems to be pretty effective.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the Midwest Poultry Federation’s PEAK Conference in Minneapolis Thursday, he said a laser costs around $15,000 and at least two are needed to fully cover a barn site.

“So there’s a lot of expense in that, but like we’re telling legislators ‘the ounce of prevention is worth the pound of cure.”

Vlaminck is the president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and says they are asking state and federal officials to help share the cost.