Milk production, one of the country’s most valuable agricultural products, 

ranks fourth in total farm sales according to National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The number of dairy farms has declined from over 

600,000 in 1970 to approximately 57,000 in 2015. As a result, herd size 

per operation has increased significantly and milk production per cow 

has doubled to keep up with demand. Because commodity rates are 

low in the dairy industry and production per cow is high, any loss due 

to predation or disease transmission caused by wildlife can potentially 

impact producers. Similarly, in the past decade dairy goat numbers have 

expanded faster than any other livestock group at the same time as the 

total number of goat dairies have decreased.

Dairy cattle and calf death loss due to predation approaches $4 million 

annually (National Animal Health Monitoring System). Dairy farming and 

the local economies in dairy production regions rely on efficient and responsive management practices to remain viable.

Wildlife-related damage problems can cause serious challenges for farmers in areas where wildlife populations impact crops, feed, and animal 

health. 

Dairy producers turn to WS for assistance in safeguarding their herds’ 

health and safety, as well as to minimize production costs.

Bird Damage at Dairies

The species most frequently associated with damage problems at dairies, especially during the winter months, are European starlings, pigeons, 

house sparrows, grackles, and cowbirds.

Factsheet

November 2020

Assistance to Dairy Farms and Facilities

Wildlife Services (WS), a 

program within the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture’s 

(USDA) Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS), provides Federal 

leadership and expertise 

to resolve wildlife conflicts 

that threaten the Nation’s 

agricultural and natural 

resources, human health and 

safety, and property. 

WS uses an integrated 

approach involving many 

management methods to 

assist dairy producers. We 

help them resolve problems 

associated with large 

populations of birds, disease 

transmission, and predators, 

among other damage.

Birds consume and 

contaminate livestock feed, 

reducing milk production and 

increasing feed and 

medical costs. 

Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service

Wildlife Services
and primarily affects the intestinal tract of cattle, 

sheep and goats, causing decreased production. WS 

offers technical and direct assistance to producers 

experiencing damage and disease threats cause by 

European starlings at dairy facilities. 

USDA research has shown that white-tailed deer and 

cattle can transmit bovine tuberculosis (bTB) to one 

another through shared feed. This bacterial disease 

affects the respiratory system of cattle, causing 

chronic weakness and decreased performance in 

livestock. USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) 

monitors for tuberculosis in the U.S., and provides 

veterinarians with procedural guidance and supplies 

to perform tests. 

WS personnel are dedicated to helping producers 

prevent the spread of bTB. In some States, WS can 

help eligible farms obtain fencing to keep deer out 

of stored feed through a Federal/State cooperative 

program. Staff can reduce the risk of disease spread 

through targeted removal of deer frequenting herds 

and feed-storage areas using disease management 

permits. They can assist State agencies by performing animal necropsies and processing samples. WS’ 

National Wildlife Research Center researchers also 

conduct research to prevent the transmission of bTB 

and other diseases between wildlife and cattle. 

Feral swine can carry and transmit other bacterial 

and viral diseases to dairy cows, including brucellosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, foot-and-mouth disease 

and multiple other diseases. Feral swine are known 

to carry and transmit nearly 80% of the diseases of 

concern for goats and sheep. These diseases can 

cause reproductive harm, weakness, and decreased 

production. WS’ National Feral Swine Damage 

Management program can work with producers experiencing damage and disease transmission threats 

from feral swine. 

Birds consume and contaminate livestock feed with 

dual impact, reducing milk production and increasing 

feed and medical costs. For example, 1,000 starlings 

can eat about 36–40 pounds of food per day. Birds 

consume the high protein portion of dairy cow feed, 

depriving cows of proper nutrition. This results in decreased milk production. Additionally, bird droppings 

in feed and water can transmit harmful diseases 

and reduce feed consumption. Bird feces on buildings and equipment can shorten their useful life and 

increase cleanup costs. 

Birds present fewer feed problems at goat dairies 

due to goat diets and physical features, although vultures, ravens and eagles cause predation concerns. 

Upon request, WS can provide on-site assistance 

to dairies where over-abundant birds are causing 

damage. Plans to reduce damage may include recommendations for exclusion, harassment, or lethal 

removal. A variety of netting, repellants, and scaring 

devices may be tried to deter the birds. (See the 

Starling report in the Wildlife Damage Management 

Technical Series.)

Local bird populations can be reduced through 

several methods including traps and the avian toxicant DRC−1339, an option trained and certified 

WS’ personnel can provide. Environmentally sound, 

DRC−1339 can target the problem birds without 

harming people, pets, or other wildlife.

Wildlife-borne Diseases

Salmonella, a bacterial disease affecting dairy cows, 

is commonly spread by European starlings targeting 

livestock feed. This disease causes diarrhea and 

reproductive issues in cows, and has a high impact 

on calves. Starlings also can carry the bacteria that 

causes Johnes disease. Johnes disease is incurable 

Thousands of European starlings rest 

and eat at a dairy.
Livestock Predation

Predators, such as coyotes, feral dogs, bears, mountain lions, wolves, and black vultures, can prey on 

cows, calves, goats and goat kids at dairy facilities. 

Not all predators kill livestock, but even infrequent 

losses to predation can have a major impact on 

dairies.

WS provides information and assistance, including 

recommendations and use of integrated management programs, to reduce or eliminate predation. 

Trained specialists can investigate which predator 

species is responsible for depredation and recommend possible nonlethal management methods. 

Varied fencing methods, including electrified fencing, 

may be especially effective at goat dairies. 

Each year, predators take more than 122,000 head 

of goats and kids (all types) and 2,300 dairy cows 

and calves. These losses are valued at more than 

$15 million for goats and kids and almost $4 million 

for cattle and calves, according to the most recent 

NASS reports. Calves and goat kid losses to predation are nearly double that of adults. 

Coyotes and dogs are the most common predators 

at dairy facilities, accounting for 26% and 17% of 

Wildlife Services is not the only source of wildlife damage management services available to the public. Private-sector wildlife damage management providers 

may also be available. Wildlife Services does not endorse or recommend any specific private-sector provider or the use of any specific product over another.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

APHIS 11-15-004

cow loss to predators respectively. Coyotes commonly predate on lambs, calves, and kids, with goat 

kids especially vulnerable. In 2016, coyotes and 

dogs accounted for 32% of predator loss for all goat 

operations. Coyotes accounted for as much as 56% 

of goat kid death loss on operations raising less than 

20 goats, which are the most common sized operations. 

Some regions are seeing increased reports of black 

vulture predation on newborn livestock. WS researchers are working to identify the factors associated with this predation. Constant vigilance, sound 

husbandry practices, and persistent harassment are 

the most effective means to protect livestock from 

black vultures, because these birds are protected 

under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and State laws.

Wolves have made a strong recovery in the Western 

Great Lakes and Northern Rocky Mountains, which 

can create challenges for farmers and ranchers. 

Wolves account for 46% of predation on mixed operations (equal number of dairy and beef cows). 

WS, in cooperation with wildlife management agencies, can assist farmers that experience suspected 

livestock predation with recommendations for varied 

livestock protection practices. When regulations 

allow, staff also can conduct or advise on lethal 

removal of predators where farmers are experiencing 

loss. Federal and State laws and regulations vary by 

species and location. WS can provide more information and refer farmers to appropriate agencies for 

permits.

Additional Information

For more information about managing wildlife damage at dairy farms, or other WS operations, please 

call 1-866-4USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297) or visit the 

Web site at: www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/.

This bear track was found 

inside a goat paddock 

during a livestock depredation investigation conducted after a goat was 

killed overnight.

Each year, predators take more than 122,000 head of goats and 

kids (all types) and 2,300 dairy cows and calves.