By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
The recent outbreak of avian influenza cases, more widely known as bird flu, has raised concerns across various sectors, including the golf industry. With golf courses and driving ranges often serving as habitats for migratory birds, which can be carriers of the virus, there are concerns about the potential risks to golfers and facility employees. Bird flu outbreaks among wild bird populations, though rare for golf courses, can disrupt not just ecosystems and wildlife but daily course operations and public safety.
Early detection, clear communication and proactive risk management procedures are crucial to protecting the course and its community. By staying informed and prepared, golf course operators and PGA of America Golf Professionals can mitigate risks and maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. For example, courses in Estes Park, Colorado were recently provided with mini hand sanitizer dispensers that clip onto your golf bag as a way of helping golfers stay healthy.
Golf courses and driving ranges often feature open landscapes, ponds and wooded areas. These are attractive environments for migratory birds. Species like geese, ducks and gulls are common visitors, especially in spring and fall. I myself played a course recently where there were many beautiful birds, ducks, geese, swans and even two bald eagles sharing the grounds. Unfortunately, many of these birds could be susceptible to avian influenza.
When infected birds land, nest or forage on courses, they leave behind saliva, nasal secretions and droppings, all of which can contain the virus. While the risk of direct transmission to humans remains relatively low, it’s enough of a concern to trigger new hygiene and maintenance protocols at many courses. Golfers and course workers who handle equipment that may come into contact with bird droppings should practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding touching their faces or food and drink.
Beyond the health concerns, the presence of infected birds can affect course maintenance. Birds may damage greens, bunkers and other areas, leading to increased maintenance efforts and costs. Additionally, if an outbreak occurs among bird populations on or near a golf course, there may be a need for biosecurity measures to prevent further spread, potentially disrupting regular course operations.
To reduce the risks to staff and customers and the birds themselves, golf course management can proactively implement several strategies:
- Wildlife Management: Implement measures to deter large gatherings of birds on the course, such as using decoys or noise deterrents.
- Community Collaboration: Work with local wildlife agencies to monitor bird populations and receive timely updates on outbreak statuses.
- Sanitation Protocols: Ensure that equipment and facilities are regularly cleaned and disinfected, especially areas where bird droppings are common.
- Staff Training: Educate staff about the signs of avian influenza in birds and the importance of reporting unusual bird behavior or deaths.
- Communication with Golfers: Inform golfers about the presence of avian influenza in the area and encourage them to follow recommended hygiene practices.
- Facility Upgrades: Install additional washing stations, upgrade cleaning procedures and temporarily limit access to certain high-risk areas.
By staying informed and proactive, golf courses and driving ranges can continue to provide safe environments for both golfers and wildlife.
Of course, taking such measures could affect operations. For instance, increased sanitation and safety protocols will incur additional costs of time and money. Golf course and driving range employees now have to take extra precautions when cleaning grounds, equipment and facilities, which could alter task times and work schedules.
In addition, if fewer birds are present to help control pest populations, courses will see a rise in turf-damaging insects. This means more pesticide applications, more re-sodding and an overall increase in maintenance budgets. Additionally, water features, typically attractive for both aesthetics and wildlife, are being more closely monitored to prevent them from becoming virus hotspots. It also means a reduction in the experience of nature – hearing birds sing and watching them fly high above you, like I experienced in that recent round of golf I referenced earlier. The absence of these feathered friends can leave courses feeling less awe-inspiring, again impacting the overall customer experience.
In cases where bird flu outbreaks are detected nearby, local authorities may recommend or mandate partial closures. Driving ranges with open, covered stalls are especially vulnerable if infected birds are found nesting in or near player areas.
Experts predict that avian influenza could remain a recurring issue, especially as climate change alters migratory patterns and increases the mixing of wild bird species. For the golf industry, adapting to this new reality will require a balance between maintaining the natural beauty that golfers expect and protecting public health. After all, golf courses have long been champions of green space management. Now, their role includes being frontline responders to a potential wildlife health crisis, ensuring that both golfers and birds can continue to share the land safely.
If bird flu is suspected at your facility, assess risk to staff and customers, and notify the U.S. Department of Agriculture at (866) 536-7593. For more information, log on to the U.S.D.A. website.
Additional Resources:
USDA Avian Influenza Information:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza
USDA Defend the Flock Program:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock/defend-the-flock
State Wildlife Agencies (Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies):
https://www.fishwildlife.org/landing/members
