Innovative Tactics Used by Poultry Farmers to Combat Avian Flu Outbreaks
Loren Brey, a poultry grower in Minnesota, faced a devastating loss when a deadly strain of avian flu swept through his egg-laying turkey flock last November, resulting in the death of nearly half of his birds. Determined to protect his remaining turkeys from future outbreaks, Brey turned to a seemingly unconventional method: lasers.
Installing lasers atop his barns, Brey fired beams of green light to deter wild ducks, owls, and other potential carriers of the virus. This innovative approach is just one example of the creative tactics that poultry farmers across the country are employing to safeguard their flocks as migratory birds bring the threat of avian flu with them this spring.
The avian flu outbreak has hit large-scale industrial farms and egg-producing chicken operations the hardest, with two-thirds of depopulated birds belonging to just 30 farms with over a million hens. Turkey farms, like Brey’s, have also been significantly impacted due to their susceptibility to infection and proximity to migratory paths of wild waterfowl.
The consequences of an avian flu infection are vast, with federal regulations mandating the culling of entire flocks and strict disposal measures for infected birds. This has resulted in millions of birds being culled and over a thousand affected flocks since the detection of the lethal strain in February 2022.
To combat the ongoing threat of avian flu, farmers are implementing a range of deterrents, from drones and air horns to balloons and decoy predators. While these measures may not be foolproof, they reflect the industry’s determination to protect their livelihoods and the food supply.
Despite the challenges posed by the avian flu, farmers like Christian Alexandre in California are finding ways to adapt and continue production. Alexandre’s farm, which was impacted by the virus in late 2022, has since returned to full capacity by purchasing older egg-laying hens to replace the lost flock.
As the battle against avian flu continues, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures, such as limiting visitors, thorough cleaning and disinfection, and isolating new birds. While the virus can still breach even the most stringent precautions, farmers like Brey remain vigilant in their efforts to protect their flocks.
While the future remains uncertain, poultry farmers are resilient in their commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by avian flu outbreaks. As Brey reflects on the ongoing struggle, he acknowledges the difficulty of finding a foolproof solution but remains dedicated to protecting his turkeys and livelihood.
