Bird Flu - how to combat it

Bird flu eradication in NZ unlikely if it arrives, MPI says - focus is on ‘reducing impact’

Avian influenza (commonly known as bird flu) is a viral disease of birds that is found all around the globe. The disease mainly affects birds, but has been known to be transmissable to mammals.

Although New Zealands geographic isolation is an advantage we are still at risk of being infected by avian influenza as there are a large number of sea birds that migrate here.

MPI is particularly concerned about the evolved H5N1 strain, which has been responsible for 10's of millions of bird deaths and has rapidly spread around the globe and adapted to wildlife. If this strain does become established in wild birds, it doesn't seem likely that it will be able to be eradicated, so the focus needs to be on reducing the impact in New Zealand.

Bird Flu and Commercial Poultry Farmers

HPAI viruses such as the avian influenza, cause high mortality in poultry (chickens, turkeys and quail) and waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans).

Suggested steps to prevent disease in your birds

1. Keep equipment, yards and barns/sheds clean
2. Avoid contact with wild birds
3. Don't let feed and water become contaminated
4. Maintain good hygeine
5. Limit visitors to your operation

Most of these steps are likely already in place and easily implemented, apart from step 2. Investing in measures now for this step will pay dividends in the ability to withstand and respond to an HPAI virus later.

So how do you avoid contact with wild birds?

Birdzout Lasers:

Lasers are a great option for wide area bird control. They can be used to keep birds away from surrounding paddocks, grazing areas, compost piles, shed roofs and inside barns. The Birdzout Lasers have an option to run off a timer so they are active when your poultry are not in the area. For barn raised poultry they can be used to keep wild birds away from the outdoor area in general to minimize any contamination. Lasers can also be used to cover rafters areas in barns to prevent wild birds roosting / nesting there.

Bird Spikes:

Roost deterrents like bird spikes are ideal to place along the ridges, peaks and apexes of sheds and barns to prevent wild birds from landing and perching there. They make the area unattractive for birds to come to. These are especially necessary in areas used for collecting water.

Birdzout Sound Deterrents:

The bioacoustic sound deterrents can be used to discourage birds from the area in general and and also discourage birds from entering barns and sheds. They use natural bird distress and harassment cries to frighten wild birds away, these sound units are programmed to target the birds species that are likely to be a problem in each area.

Jackite Predator Kites:

A Predator Kite Package is another option to keep wild birds away from surrounding paddocks, compost piles and areas around barns to minimize the risk of contamination. These are a realistic predator kite flown from a telescopic pole, they work in well with the sound deterrents as they associate one with the other.

Bird Removal

Physically removing birds from the area is also a good idea to minimize the impact of Bird Flu. This can be done with Bird Traps or by using Mist Net - a fine net strung up in the birds flight path, they can't get out of. Physical removal of pest birds will go a long way in helping to minimize the risk of avian influenza affecting your poultry farm.

In Australia over 1 million chickens had to be culled due to Bird Flu - don't let that be you, be proactive today!

Bird Flu and Agriculture

Recently bird flu has been detected in dairy cows in Texas. This is alarming as it shows the virus has the ability to mutate and spread across different species. Once spread to dairy cows it is easily transmissible to humans which is concerning as there is a high mortality rate for humans infected with avian flu. There is also a risk that the virus could spread through contaminated dairy products.

We need to take action today, to mitigate the risk of cross-species contamination which if not monitored carefully could lead to a pandemic.

So what are the best options for bird deterrents in Agriculture?

Birdzout Lasers:

Lasers are a great option to deter birds from dairy sheds. The indoor laser has commonly been used in this situation. Lasers also work well to cover rafter areas in barns and sheds to deter wild birds roosting / nesting there.

Bird Spikes:

Roost deterrents like bird spikes are ideal to place along the ridges, peaks and apexes of sheds and barns to prevent wild birds from landing and perching there. They make the area unattractive for birds to come to and are recommended to use on areas where water is collected. Bird spikes can also be placed on pipes in dairy sheds. 

Purivox Gas Guns:

A gas gun is a great option to cover larger areas where birds can be an issue - such as fodder crops, recently plowed ground and silage pits. The gas guns make a loud bang which confuses and scares the birds away and can cover up to 25 hectares.

Birdzout Sound Deterrents:

The bioacoustic sound deterrents can be used to discourage birds from entering barns and sheds. They use natural bird distress and harassment cries to frighten wild birds away and are programmed to target the birds species that are likely to be a problem in each area.

Jackite Predator Kites:

A Predator Kite Package is another option to keep wild birds away from paddocks, silage pits, water sources and areas around barns and dairy sheds to minimize the risk of contamination. These are a realistic predator flown from a telescopic pole, they work in well with the sound deterrents as they associate one with the other.

How much of an impact would bird flu have on your farm? The social and economic consequences this could have is too great to calculate. Mitigate the risk and be proactive today, get your bird deterrents in place before this HPAI virus arrives.

Bird Flu and Food Production and Storage Facilities

Birds are know carriers of various different pathogens and diseases which can contaminate food production and storage facilities.

Having effective bird deterrents in place is essential. They ensure food safety protocols and standards are met, minimize risks, and are a safeguard against potential disruptions bird flu could cause.

How can a bird free facility be established?

Birdzout Lasers:

Laser bird deterrents are one of the most effective and well documented ways to repel pest bird and are a great option to deter birds from buildings both inside and out. They can be used indoors to cover the upper perch and roost areas where birds like to be, and outdoors to stop birds landing on the roof and perching under canopies. 

Roost Deterrents:

Bird spikes, and shock tape are ideal to place along beams, trusses, pipework and ledges to prevent birds from landing, perching and nesting there. They make the area unattractive for birds to come to, and are a permanent deterrent once installed.

Structural Bird Netting:

Bird Netting creates a physical barrier to prevent pest birds from entering specific areas. When installed properly, netting is highly effective, making it ideal for zero-tolerance zones such as food production facilities. We have a range of companies around New Zealand that we work in with to install structural bird netting, contact us for more information.

Physical Removal:

Birds will often become emotionally attached to a particular area and the pheromones from previous birds make the area attractive. These resident birds can be the hardest to deter as they will keep coming back to the same area time and again. Removing resident birds make a large difference particularly where birds have been living or nesting inside buildings.

Take action today, be proactive to reduce the impact avian influenza will have.

Need advice on what bird deterrent will be the best for your situation?

Contact us for a free recommendation on 0800 654 320.