A serious problem
Too many pigeons in the livestock farms of the region, Confagricoltura Campania launches an appeal to the Department of Agriculture. The aim is to prepare a Control Plan on uncontrolled proliferation of pigeons in livestock breeding facilities: the excessive presence of birds represents, in fact, a serious criticality both for the agricultural economy and for health and hygiene safety. The problem particularly concerns areas where the availability of food in the stables favors the establishment of numerous colonies of pigeons. The most affected farms are those of buffalo and dairy cattle, essential for the production of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP and for the regional livestock heritage. According to recent estimates, the average density for each breeding site is between 1.000 and 1.500 pigeons, with even higher peaks in periods of greater food availability.
Incalculable damage
The uncontrolled presence of these birds generates economic damages for tens of thousands of euros per year. First of all, losses in animal feed must be evaluated: pigeons consume a significant portion of feed intended for livestock, increasing the supply costs for breeders. And then the contamination of food and the environment: pigeon excrement compromises the quality of forage and stabling spaces, with potential risks for food safety. Waste of resources: the massive presence of pigeons requires extraordinary cleaning and sanitation interventions, increasing the operating costs of breeding farms. Health risks: pigeons are vectors of infectious and parasitic diseases (salmonellosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, ornithosis, toxoplasmosis), with risks for the health of animals and operators. Damage to structures: nesting on roofs and electrical systems cause deterioration of infrastructures, with the need for frequent maintenance interventions.
Population control
Confagricoltura Campania therefore requests an intervention by the Campania Region Agriculture Department for the adoption of a Pigeon Population Control Plan, which includes the monitoring and census of avian colonies in livestock sites; the implementation of physical and acoustic deterrent systems (anti-intrusion nets, visual and sound deterrents); capture and containment plans in collaboration with bodies responsible for managing wild fauna; an awareness campaign for breeders on the best prevention practices. (Source CONFAGRICOLTURA)
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