Evaluation of Scavenger Mitigations for Animal Mortality Management

Animal mortality management continues to pose a significant challenge during the response to animal disease outbreaks. Specifically, scavenger activity around mortality management sites is a growing concern in biosecurity. To address this challenge, a research study was designed to identify mitigations that are currently being used and evaluate their effectiveness under a variety of field conditions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a motion-activated inflatable deterrent (Scare Dancer), a real vulture effigy, a fake vulture effigy, and electric fencing as deterrents to avian and terrestrial scavengers. Both real and fake vulture effigies were effective at deterring Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures from mortality sites, but not other avian visitors (Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and other passerine species). A motion-activated inflatable deterrent did reduce visitation by avian scavengers, but not as well as effigies. A portable electric fence was effective at reducing terrestrial scavenger visitations to mortality sites. These data are a valuable first step in better understanding the effectiveness of various scavenger deterrents in managing mortality.