News

Scare tactics somewhat effective in deterring wild birds

Poultry producers and turkey growers trying to prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza are having some success deterring wild birds.

Migratory waterfowl are carriers of the disease and Minnesota Turkey Growers Association executive director Ashley Kohls says the number of outbreaks is down considerably compared to 2022.

“People were making sure that their farms were maintained in a way that didn’t attract birds. There were folks installing all types of wild birds deterrents like lasers, those gumby-type wind socks that you see on used car lots to try and scare birds away, and a number of other things that folks have done to try and scare birds away.”

She tells Brownfield biosecurity remains a critical line of defense as the industry prepares for fall migration.

“We’re having conversations with our national group, with other states, with wildlife agencies, to not just monitor what’s going on in Minnesota but what’s going on across the country. But also in the countries that border the United States, so what’s going on in Mexico, what’s going on in Canada in regards to what they’re seeing as far as high-path is.”

Kohls says it’s “all hands on deck” to make sure avian influenza is kept out of domestic flocks.