Summary
Globally, avian influenza (AI) is a serious disease for commercial poultry industries. Water birds, particularly ducks, are the main reservoir for AI viruses. Various native species utilise habitat, shelter and food resources on Australian meat chicken farms, potentially contaminating poultry water supplies and production facilities. Humans, other wild birds and wildlife could potentially transfer AI viruses excreted in bird faeces into poultry sheds or range areas. In line with current Chicken Meat Program research priorities (investigate economically important endemic diseases and develop better management tools; investigate biosecurity risks and develop mitigation options and strategies), this proposal focuses on gaining a better understanding of the wildlife – poultry conflict on meat chicken farms and aims to improve AIrelated biosecurity and risk assessment modelling by demonstrating the utility of customised, costeffective detection and deterrence systems on meat chicken farms. The proposal addresses strategic government research priorities (lifting productivity and economic growth; securing Australia’s place in a changing world). The research will help fulfil the need for defensible, scientific assessment of proposed biosecurity strategies and provide confidence in moving forward.
Program
Chicken Meat
Research Organisation
The State of Queensland acting through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Objective Summary
Demonstrate the use of automated detectanddeter systems for reducing wild bird activity in poultry production facilities to improve biosecurity. Develop and evaluate potential and costeffectiveness of using new detection and ranging sensor technology (Leddar sensors) for detecting birds. Determine the most useful deterrent strategy for high AIrisk species. Demonstrate benefits of recording bird activity data for onfarm biosecurity purposes and AIrisk assessment modelling
Project Code
PRJ-010264
Project Stage
Closed
Project Start Date
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Project Completion Date
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Journal Articles From Project
Not Available
National Priority
An environmentally sustainable Australia
National Priority
Adoption of R&D
National Priority
CME-Improve chicken meat production through the whole supply chain