Protect Your Minnesota Farm: All About Our Latest Laser Technology Webinar and Grants to Combat Avian Influenza

Avian influenza remains one of the greatest threats to the poultry industry and animal welfare due to the threat  of transmission and the economic loss it can cause. Influenza not only contaminates poultry farms, it also contaminates our water and feed. To address this challenge, an innovative laser technology is being used as an advanced preventive measure to reduce the risk of contagion on poultry farms. This approach is not only innovative, but offers a safe and efficient prevention method for producers, in this case the Minnesota farms to whom this Webinar has been and is directed.

Grant Program Description
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with Bird Control Group, has launched an innovative grant that will enable poultry farmers to implement advanced technology for avian influenza prevention. This program, designed specifically to protect the state’s poultry production, facilitates access to state-of-the-art equipment that improves biosecurity in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

The program is intended to enable producers to purchase and install state-of-the-art technology such as avian influenza prevention lasers. With these grants, farmers will be able to effectively protect their animals, reducing exposure to the disease and improving overall biosecurity on their premises. The grants aim to make this technology affordable by helping producers cover up to 20% of the eligible costs of implementing this advanced solution.

How Laser Technology Works
The AVIX Autonomic Laser Bird Deterrent system is highly effective in keeping out migratory birds potentially carrying the avian influenza virus, reducing the chances of contagion during migration seasons by up to 90%. This system emits a green beam that deters birds from coming into contact with feeding and water areas on farms by creating the illusion of a physical threat, thus preventing contamination. 

The AVIX Autonomic is designed to operate automatically around the clock and in a variety of weather conditions, ensuring constant and prolonged protection. This technology is especially useful on poultry farms, where it minimizes the risk of spreading diseases such as avian influenza by reducing contact between wild birds and farm poultry.This innovative method stands out for being sustainable and non-invasive, eliminating the need for control methods that are harmful or disrupt the local ecosystem.

In addition, interested parties can access specialized training through the AVIX Academy, which offers courses on the use and maintenance of this equipment.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
To access this grant, applicants must meet certain requirements, including the submission of documents such as IRS Form W9 and a project proposal that meets the program guidelines. The application process is clear and has a scoring scheme to evaluate each proposal. The ideal timeframe to get this proposal up will be between February 2025 and June 2025. In addition, those who are selected will be eligible to receive a 20% reimbursement of approved and eligible costs, making the implementation of this technology an affordable and practical investment for poultry producers.

Important dates to keep in mind.

October 24, 2024, at 4 p.m CT	Deadline to ask gran program questions.
October 31, 2024, at 4 p.m CTV	Application period closes, and review begins.
December 18	All applicants notified of grant status
February 1, 2025	Anticipated contract start date.

Taking advantage of this grant is a unique opportunity for producers to protect their livestock from avian influenza by implementing state-of-the-art technology. The combination of affordable grants and the efficiency of the AVIX laser system provides an effective and sustainable solution for disease prevention. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your farm and join those already investing in the future of biosecurity!