To prevent bird flu, farmers invest in lasers to discourage wild birds from flying over farm animal operations

Birds see the beams as a threat and avoid the area.
(Graphic by A. Dixon, Ambrook Research)

An increasing number of farmers looking to stop the spread of bird flu are using lasers to discourage wild birds from flying over poultry and dairy operations. Farmers have "sought to reduce the risk of their animals contracting the disease," reports Daniel Walton of Ambrook Research. "They know that wild birds such as geese, ducks, and seagulls spread bird flu along their migration routes, and lasers are becoming a go-to tactic for keeping them — and by extension, the virus — away from buildings or pastures."

Lasers work because birds rely on their vision to sense any surrounding threats. Walton explains, "Green lasers in particular are close to the wavelengths that birds best perceive in motion, and the beams likely interact with the green chlorophyll in plants to produce disorienting effects only birds can see."

Jake Vlaminck, a turkey producer in Lake Lillian, Minnesota, decided to start investing in lasers as a wild bird deterrent after "a bird flu outbreak forced him to cull tens of thousands of turkeys," Walton writes. A neighboring farmer introduced him to a "robotically controlled system. . . . Its laser swivels on a base to target dozens of different points in constantly shifting patterns, keeping birds from growing accustomed to the beams."

While Vlaminck wasn't sure the system would help, "he was willing to take a chance on anything that might avoid a repeat outbreak," Walton explains. "He set up two units in early 2023, before the spring migration season, and over the following year his flocks remained untouched by flu. . . . Minnesota poultry farmers have put in over 100 laser systems since 2023, some with support from a state program meant to prevent bird flu transmission."

Lasers may not be a "silver bullet" solution to stop bird flu transmission, but "for farmers who’ve lost entire flocks to bird flu. . .Gutshall says the investment can be very worthwhile," Walton reports. "He estimates that laser clients usually see their wild bird activity drop by 80%, with even further reductions when they add on other deterrents."