For dairy farms, the biggest bird-related concern is the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) transmission. Large, wild birds are key transmitters of HPAI: when they congregate on dairy farms, their disease-carrying waste accumulates and can contaminate feed and water and sicken cattle.
Additionally, smaller, wild birds consume dairy cow feed due to its high protein content and relatively easy access.
Large, wild, nuisance birds such as Canada geese, snow geese, swans, and multiple wild duck species as well as smaller, wild birds, such at starlings and sparrows, are attracted to these properties due to factors including:
- Food: large, open grass areas attract large wild birds, and animal feed attracts small wild birds
- Water: large, open sources of water attract large and small wild birds
Nuisance Bird Threats to Dairy Farms
The main issues attributable to nuisance birds on dairy farms are:
- Biosecurity risks: infected dairy cows experience decreased lactation and their milk must be destroyed or diverted from the commercial food supply
- Revenue loss: decreased milk production and destroyed or diverted milk results in direct revenue loss
Solutions
Bird Lasers
Automated lasers with customized programming based upon specific bird species and property characteristics to harmlessly deter birds.
Netting & Bird Exclusion
Netting, Flock Off and other bird exclusion solutions prevents bird access to soffits, rooftops, overhangs, entrances, loading docks and other bird-prone areas.
Population Control
Strengthen biosecurity and reduce human health and safety risks by reducing the population of waterfowl, migratory, and resident bird species on your property.
