Poultry Growers Innovate with Lasers and Drones to Protect Flocks from Avian Flu

Amidst the threat of avian flu, poultry farmers are employing innovative tactics to safeguard their flocks.

Laser Technology Against Avian Flu

In the wake of devastating losses, Loren Brey, a Minnesota poultry grower, resorted to an unconventional method to prevent avian flu. After losing nearly half of his entire flock to the highly pathogenic virus, he installed lasers on top of his barns. These lasers emit green light to deter wild ducks, owls, and other potential carriers of the deadly virus.

Bracing for Another Outbreak

As migratory birds head north for the spring, poultry farmers and backyard keepers nationwide are preparing for the possibility of another avian flu outbreak. While the recent strain has affected only a small portion of the nearly 10 billion birds sold annually in the United States, the threat looms large.

Innovative Measures

Some poultry growers, like Mr. Brey, are turning to unconventional measures such as drones, air horns, balloons, and decoy predators to protect their flocks. This highlights the urgency felt by both smaller farms and larger-scale operations to combat the virus.

Dealing with Pandemic Fatigue

After years of stringent sanitation protocols, lockdowns, and debates over vaccination, poultry farmers are confronting pandemic fatigue. The industry continues to grapple with the challenge of protecting their birds while adapting to the ever-present threat of avian flu.