Preventing Avian Influenza at Poultry Farms in Chiba Prefecture NTT East Chiba and NTT e-Drone

NTT East Chiba and NTT e-Drone, in collaboration with Chiba Prefecture, have been utilizing advanced technologies such as repellent lasers and drones to prevent the outbreak and spread of avian influenza at poultry farms operated by poultry farmers in the prefecture since mid-October.
The project utilizes the NTT E-DRONE drone “BB102.” Equipped with the bird and animal pest repellent device “Kurna Move,” the BB102 emits a laser beam over a wide area to repel wild birds. Continuous laser irradiation provides a highly effective repellent effect, deterring wild birds from approaching poultry farms and reducing the risk of virus infestation.
Since it uses no noise or chemicals, it is an effective, sustainable measure with minimal environmental impact.
The BB102 boasts excellent flight stability, durability, and long flight times. It is effective for controlling bird and animal pests over a wide area from the air.
The drone is also capable of autonomous navigation, allowing it to flexibly adapt to changing intrusion routes and areas that are difficult to address with conventional countermeasures.
The frequent arrival and landing of wild birds such as crows on poultry farm roofs increases the risk of viral infection. It is believed that the virus is brought into poultry houses by wild birds carrying the virus or through their feces. Until now, the poultry industry has primarily responded by installing bird netting as a quarantine measure, but this has had its limits in preventing damage.
In particular, in recent years, the incidence and spread of avian influenza in Japan’s poultry industry has reached record levels nationwide (51 cases in 14 prefectures as of February this year). Between January and February of this year, a serious incident occurred in Chiba Prefecture, where more than 3.3 million farmed chickens were culled.
In light of this background, the NTT East Group is developing a new quarantine solution using drones equipped with repellent lasers, aiming to fundamentally eliminate the risk of avian influenza infection.
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