NTT deployed laser-equipped drones to protect poultry farms in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture in early 2025, following outbreaks that forced farmers to cull 3.3 million birds between January and February.
The system uses autonomous drones mounted with deterrent lasers to chase away crows, pigeons, and other wild birds that carry avian influenza. The lasers don’t harm the birds but trigger an avoidance response, keeping them at a distance from commercial chicken operations. NTT e-Drone Technology, NTT East Japan, and the Chiba prefectural government collaborated on the deployment.
Wild birds transmit the H5N1 virus through droppings and direct contact with domestic flocks. The Chiba outbreak added to Japan’s recurring struggle with avian flu, which has killed millions of chickens nationwide and disrupted poultry supply chains since 2022. The virus also poses zoonotic risks, though human infections remain rare.
The laser approach builds on research showing that birds perceive laser beams as physical threats. Dutch researchers at Wageningen University tested stationary laser systems on poultry farms and recorded significant reductions in wild waterfowl presence near free-range areas. Minnesota farmers adopted similar fixed-laser setups at grain storage facilities, according to industry reports on biosecurity measures.
NTT’s BB102 drone model represents Japan’s first airborne laser deterrent system for agricultural use. The mobile platform offers advantages over stationary lasers by covering larger areas and adapting patrol patterns based on bird movement. The drone scans farm perimeters and activates lasers when sensors detect avian activity.
No public data yet exists on how much the drones reduced avian flu transmission rates in Chiba. NTT framed the technology as one layer in a broader biosecurity strategy that includes netting, disinfection protocols, and restricted farm access. The company previously developed lightning-triggering drones and AI-based bird detection systems for infrastructure protection.
The approach contrasts with culling, which remains the primary containment method when infections occur. Chiba’s 3.3 million bird death toll in early 2025 represented one of the prefecture’s worst outbreaks on record. Farmers face pressure to prevent infections rather than respond after detection, when entire flocks must be destroyed regardless of individual bird health status.
Studies published in Nature examined non-lethal wildlife deterrents for disease control, finding that consistent deterrence reduces pathogen spillover from wild populations to livestock. Effectiveness depends on bird species, habitat type, and whether deterrents are combined with physical barriers.
The U.S. confirmed avian flu in dairy cattle in 2024, expanding concern beyond poultry operations. Japanese authorities have not reported similar livestock infections but continue monitoring wild bird populations for virus strains.