This project is exploring the management of starlings in farm buildings and includes consideration of their role in the spread of disease.
Starlings tend to congregate around feed clamps and barns on dairy farms during the winter months in Cornwall. They selectively pick out high protein maize kernels to feed on and subsequently reduce the quality of the cattle feed. They are also suspected of transmitting disease to the cattle.
This research will assess the potential for starlings to transfer bacteria and associated antimicrobial resistance genes between dairy farms.
It is also researching the use of targeted acoustics to deter the starlings from congregating around feed stores and animal housing on the farms.
The project is funded by Agritech Cornwall, the European Regional Development Fund, and the European Structural Investment Fund.