Laser tech is the latest option for avian flu defense for Minnesota poultry farmers

Laser technology for avian flu prevention is being offered to Minnesota poultry farmers under a grant program that’s available until Oct. 31. The Bird Control Group is behind the offering for the state’s poultry farmers, which offers a unique opportunity to implement advanced laser technology for bird control.

This method is reportedly environmentally friendly and provides enhanced avian flu prevention.

Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds. It significantly threatens the poultry industry, animal health, trade, and the economy worldwide.

Minnesota is among the states that are hard hit by the disease. Just one flock resulted in the loss of one million birds.

Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains are deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within days. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) strains typically cause few or no signs of illness. They occur naturally in wild birds around the world. However, some LPAI strains can become highly pathogenic in poultry.

Bird Control Group operates in over 100 countries, with offices in the United States and the Netherlands. Its customers include Cargill, Coca-Cola, Heineken, and Google.

The technology provides innovative solutions to keep birds away from agricultural and commercial activities, ensuring a safer working environment and a highly effective way of damage prevention. 

 Bird Control Group has announced the grant opportunity in Minnesota for biosafety measures to combat avian flu, including implementing laser technology on poultry farms. This program aims to improve avian flu protection and ensure animal health across the state.

As poultry farms face challenges from bird infestations and avian flu, Bird Control Group’s AVIX Autonomic Laser Bird Deterrent offers an innovative and sustainable solution to protect agricultural resources. This advanced system projects harmless laser beams across a designated area, which birds perceive as physical objects. As a result, they instinctively avoid the area without harm.

The laser patterns are randomized, ensuring birds are not accustomed to the system and providing long-term effectiveness. By using this technology, farmers can keep their facilities free from birds in an efficient, non-invasive, and eco-friendly way, reducing the risk of contamination and disease spread.

“At Bird Control Group, we are dedicated to driving innovation in the agricultural sector. This grant presents a unique opportunity for poultry producers to embrace cutting-edge technology that enhances farm productivity, combats avian flu, and fosters a more sustainable and eco-friendly future,” says the Bird Control Group.

Significant financial support is available to help cover the costs of purchasing and installing laser systems. Through the Protect grant, Minnesota poultry farmers can receive up to $10,000 in financial assistance, covering 80 percent of the equipment costs, to enhance biosecurity and prevent the spread of avian influenza.

With the deadline approaching on October 31st and limited funds available, Minnesota poultry farmers are being encouraged to apply soon.

Dairy herds are also being infected with avian flu across the country. There are also 31 human cases confirmed, most of them among dairy workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk to people is low, but there is concern that the virus may mutate and become more of a problem. Countries around the world are developing plans for use in the event that the virus becomes a person-to-person problem.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/10/laser-tech-is-the-latest-option-for-avian-flu-defense-for-minnesota-poultry-farmers/