Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Improving Biosecurity With 

Wildlife Management Practices: 

Protecting Food Resources 

Avian influenza and other diseases that impact domestic poultry often cause 

little or no illness in wildlife. That’s why seemingly healthy wild birds and 

animals could spread disease onto farms when they are attracted to areas 

with abundant food, water, and/or shelter.

You can strengthen 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 animals 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 and help you avoid 

accidentally transporting wildlife feces and secretions that may contain harmful 

viruses or bacteria into your facilities on boots, equipment, and food. 

Reduce 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 plants if they are located within 3 feet of your poultry 

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

for wildlife. 

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.

Prevent Access to Stored Feed

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

to make them less attractive to wildlife. Keep a broom and lidded garbage 

container nearby and frequently inspect and clean up 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. 

There are several nonlethal 

management methods for 

reducing wildlife’s potential 

spread of disease on farms.
Dispose of Waste

All farms need effective waste disposal methods. Common methods are 

incineration, composting, and dumpsters or 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.

Checklist

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Program Aid No. 2211 • Revised February 2022

Learn More

If you have specific questions about how to manage wildlife on your farm 

or need help conducting a wildlife assessment, call the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services program 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 and search “avian influenza.”

The lethal removal of native wildlife is regulated under Federal and State laws. 

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.

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

to food, water, and/or 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 feces may be present. 

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