Controlling Starlings and Pigeons at Dairies and Feedlots in - - PDF document

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12/12/2016 Controlling Starlings and Pigeons at Dairies and Feedlots in Michigan Using DRC-1339 Tim Wilson USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Michigan 1 12/12/2016 Issue During the winter large flocks of starlings gather at dairies and feedlots.

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Controlling Starlings and Pigeons at Dairies and Feedlots in Michigan Using DRC-1339

Tim Wilson USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Michigan

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Issue

Consuming and

contaminating feed

Contributing to the

spread of disease

Reducing milk

production During the winter large flocks of starlings gather at dairies and feedlots.

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Program Overview

DRC-1339

– Slow acting toxicant – Registered for USDA use only – Selective – Minimal risk of secondary poisoning

Methods-Prebait

Site selection

– Not accessible to cattle – Inside barns

Minimize non-targets
Shelter from weather

– Prefer drive-thru style barns

Producers conduct pre-baiting

– Coincides with feeding of livestock

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Notification

Producers notify neighbors
WS notifies several agencies prior to treatment date to

alleviate concern about dead birds – Michigan Department of Agriculture – Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Michigan State University Extension Service – Local Health Departments

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Methods - Bait Drop

WS Responsibilities

– Remain on site 4-8 hours

Monitor starling activity
Ensure non-targets do not interfere

– Placed out the same as pre-bait – Clean up left-over bait

Producers Responsibilities

– Carcass pick up

Found in sheltered locations
Disposal by burial or incineration

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Results

Since 1998, 820 DRC-1339 applications to control

starlings

Average 45 farms treated per year
Majority of farms experience >75% reduction in starlings

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Effects of Starling Control on Milk Production at a Clinton County Dairy (700 Head)

66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 3 2 1 Bait Drop 1 2 3 Weeks Before - Weeks After

Ave. Pounds per Cow

Feb.2002

Oct. 2002
Feb. 2003

Keys to Success

Pre-baiting

– Starlings need to be “on bait” for at least 3 days

Weather

– Cold, snowy, overcast weather preferable

Minimal distractions on day of treatment

– Avoid scheduling activities that may disrupt birds

i.e, construction, hoof trimmers, etc.

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Pigeon Control with DRC-1339

Pre-baiting

– Similar to starlings, only use corn

Hot bait/bait drop

– Same

Mode of action

– Same, pigeons will expire at roost sites

Costs

No federal funds for program
Charge only for labor, mileage, and supplies (i.e, bait,

toxicant)

Farms < 1000 head of cattle = $650 per treatment
Farms >1000 head of cattle = $1000 per treatment
Additional cost to treat pigeons

– $200-$400 depending upon number of pigeons

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Contact Info:

209 Unique Farms 335 Total Treatments 7 Years

Tim Wilson