Japan Deploys Laser Drones to Stop Bird Flu Outbreaks

Japanese telecommunications giant NTT has launched a new high-tech defense against avian influenza , drones equipped with repellent lasers designed to scare off wild birds before they spread the deadly virus.

The project, developed by NTT e-Drone Technology and NTT East Japan in collaboration with Chiba Prefecture, aims to protect the local poultry industry after a severe bird flu outbreak earlier this year led to the culling of more than 3.3 million chickens.

“Between January and February 2025, a severe situation unfolded within Chiba Prefecture, resulting in the culling of over 3.3 million poultry,” NTT said in its press release, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Wild birds such as crows and pigeons are known carriers of avian influenza, spreading the virus through direct contact or droppings.

The new system uses the BB102 drone, which fires multiple red and green laser beams proven to deter “pigeons, crows, starlings, deer, etc.” The light system uses flickering beams instead of steady beams to stop birds from getting used to the light.

NTT reports that the lasers produce an automatic sense of unease in animals which prevents them from accessing poultry areas through methods that do not involve dangerous substances or loud sounds.

The drones can operate autonomously, covering wide areas and adapting to changing routes of bird intrusion.

“By equipping the drone manufactured by NTT e-Drone with the bird and animal pest repellent device ‘Kurna Move,’ we can effectively prevent wild birds from entering poultry farms,” the company explained.

The Chiba government provides financial support through subsidies which pay up to one-third of installation expenses from its ¥20 million budget to promote adoption. NTT plans to expand the technology beyond Chiba to other regions and explore similar uses for disinfection and heat control in farms.

The program shows how Japan continues to adopt automated sustainable systems for agricultural disease protection at an increasing rate.