ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

Avian influenza viruses and other pathogens that impact domestic poultry often 

cause little or no illness in wildlife. For this reason, apparently healthy wild birds 

and mammals could spread disease onto farms when they are attracted to areas 

with abundant food, water, and/or shelter.

You can build on and enhance your farm biosecurity by putting wildlife 

management practices in place. There are several nonlethal ways to make 

farms less welcoming to wildlife. 

Wild birds and mammals are attracted to various food resources that may be 

found on or near farms or poultry facilities. The practices below can help you 

manage natural and artificial food resources at your farm to prevent wildlife

from coming into direct contact with your poultry, as well as to avoid 

accidentally transporting wildlife fecal material and secretions into your 

facilities on boots, equipment, and food. 

Reducing Natural Food Sources

Many natural wildlife foods, such as fruits, berries, grass seeds, flowers, and 

insects, are found on farms. To reduce the number of wild animals attracted to 

these items, remove fallen fruit and mow the grass frequently. The ideal grass 

height to reduce most wildlife use is 3 inches or less, although this may make it 

more attractive to geese. You may also want to consider removing fruit trees, 

shrubs, and other vegetation if they are located within 3 feet of your poultry 

barns. Grass, weeds, and shrubbery next to buildings provide cover and feed 

for wildlife.

Finally, do not feed wild birds or other wildlife on the property, including areas 

around houses or offices. Bird seed, suet, corn, and other feed encourages wild 

birds and rodents to visit often.

Preventing Access to Stored Feed

Feed structures should be located on a clean pad for easier cleaning and to 

reduce their attractiveness to wildlife. We recommend you keep a broom and 

lidded garbage container near the structures to encourage frequent inspection 

and cleanup of spilled feed. Even a tiny amount of feed is a meal for a wild bird 

or rodent. When checking the structure’s pipes and connections for leaks, also 

look for whitewash, droppings, or other signs of wildlife activity, such as tracks 

or damage from chewing or scratching. 

Improving Biosecurity With 

Wildlife Management Practices: 

Protecting Food Resources

There are several nonlethal 

management methods for 

reducing wildlife’s potential 

spread of disease on farms.
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

Disposing of Waste

All farms need effective waste disposal methods. Common methods are 

incineration, composting, and dumpsters/rendering. Unfortunately, these 

methods can also attract wildlife. Look for signs of wildlife getting into waste, 

such as digging in compost piles, whitewash, and carcass removal. 

To prevent wildlife access to waste, keep carcasses and compost piles covered 

at all times. Covering them at the end of the day or every other day does not 

stop wildlife and wild birds such as gulls, crows, ravens, vultures, and eagles 

from scavenging. Keep trash can and dumpster lids closed and latched to 

prevent raccoon, feral cat, and rodent access. Carcasses being held for 

incineration and molded or clumped feed should also be kept in a lidded 

container. Do not compost or dispose of spoiled feed on the farm. Freezer 

units may also be used to prevent wildlife access to waste.

Recommended Actions

• Conduct a wildlife assessment at your farm. Do wild animals have access 

to food, water, and shelter on your site? If so, learn about and use wildlife 

management methods to improve your biosecurity. 

• Reduce the amount of natural wildlife food sources on your property. 

Mow your grass and remove fallen fruit often. 

• Do not feed wildlife.

• Keep areas around stored feed clean and in good working order.

• Store waste and carcasses in covered containers. 

• Do not walk or drive trucks, tractors, or other equipment through areas 

where waterfowl or other wildlife fecal material may be present. 

Please note that the lethal removal of native wildlife is regulated under Federal and 

State laws. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other experts do not 

recommend lethally removing native wild birds to prevent the spread of highly 

pathogenic avian influenza or other diseases. Because wild birds are abundant and 

constantly moving, using lethal methods is not practical or environmentally sound. It is 

much more effective to remove sources of wildlife attraction than to manage wild 

animals after they have arrived on your property.

Learn More

If you have specific questions about wildlife management on your farm or need 

help conducting a wildlife assessment, call your nearest USDA Wildlife Services 

office toll free at 1-866-4USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297). 

For general information on avian influenza and emergency response, go to 

www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-health/aiupdates.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, 

employer, and lender.

Program Aid No. 2211

Issued October 2016