Bird control strategies, pathogen risks near livestock: new research study

New research in the Southeast is looking into bird control strategies and the potential risks of pathogen transfer by wild birds

Part of the study will collect data on how Salmonella and Campylobacter found in bird feces might be influenced by nearby beef and poultry operations, according to a news release from the Center for Produce Safety.

Leading the study is Nikki Shariat, an assistant professor in the population health, poultry diagnostic and research center department at the University of Georgia. The study will include grower surveys about bird control strategies. Cooperating farms grow several crops, including tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant and cucumbers. So far, the research team has made about 45 visits to roughly three-dozen individual farms in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee to observe wild bird patterns.

“One hope is we can update the (good agricultural practices) that are associated with wild birds,” Shariat said in the release. “A lot of that will come from computer modeling. What is the risk posed on farm X if farm X is next to some livestock production? We expect that we might see some patterns linked to the bird species, as well. It should also help us understand what bird control strategies work.”

Although lab analysis is ongoing, Shariat said Salmonella or Campylobacter have yet to be found in swabs taken from fruit below or downwind from bird feces.

“This preliminary data is exciting,” Shariat said. “It shows that on-farm transmission doesn’t occur very frequently.” 

Preliminary data was produced during the first year of the two-year study.

Shariat said the plan is to produce science-based wild bird risk-management materials for producers that will be shared through extension programs after the second year of the study.