Problem
In 2015, one of the United States’ primary egg producers lost about 1.5 million egg-laying chickens at one of their 17 facilities due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (commonly known as bird flu).
Wild birds have been, and remain, a key transmitter of bird flu to domestic flocks including poultry and egg-laying chickens. Each year during peak migration season, over 330 million wild birds fly directly over the organization’s nation-wide egg production facilities. Furthermore, 80% of the organization’s facilities are located in areas that experience medium or high wild bird traffic.
The migratory wild bird species that threaten the egg producer’s facilities include, but are not limited to:
- Canada geese:
- Snow geese
- Swans
- Multiple duck species
Actions
Beginning in 2015, the organization contracted with Wild Goose Chase (WGC), an environmental services company, to help strengthen biosecurity at each of their facilities through science-based, ecological solutions.
WGC’s staff of experienced animal biologists and structural technicians installed, programmed, and advised on the proper use of automated lasers to cover high risk areas of the property. The lasers provide continual harassment throughout the calendar year and are particularly effective during wild bird migration seasons.
Automated lasers work well in the egg producer’s settings due to:
- Coverage and range: the laser beam can travel over 1,000 feet and cover over one hundred acres in minutes
- Constant motion: lasers can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Variable patterns: laser programming was customized for each facility site, with varying timeslots and speeds
Automated lasers can have a high impact on migratory wild birds because:
- Birds can see the entire laser beam, even in full daylight conditions
- Birds are visually attuned to motion
- Birds are adept at recognizing consistent patterns
Impact
WGC provided each of the organization’s egg production facilities with:
- A site assessment conducted by staff biologists
- Installation of automated lasers
- Site-specific programming
- Training for on-site facility managers
- Hands-on training for the in-house laser team
- Ongoing, remote equipment and tech support
Since partnering with WGC, the egg producer has not had any major outbreaks of bird flu when automated lasers are used correctly. Unlike other bird deterrent solutions, wild birds have not habituated to the automated lasers at any of the organization’s facilities.
