Concerns over illegal releases of wild turkeys in New Brunswick
Fredericton, NB, October 28, 2014– The Agricultural Alliance of NB adds its voice over concerns of illegal wild turkey releases in the province. The AANB has been raising concerns over the last two years on intention of introducing wild turkeys in New Brunswick.
The agricultural community is concerned over the implications on the proposed increase of the wild turkey population. “We have extensively studied documentation and contacted multiple counterparts and associations in Quebec, Ontario and Maine and our research clearly indicates considerable impact to the agricultural sector in those provinces” says Jennifer MacDonald, Agricultural Alliance of NB President.
Agricultural producers already face extensive wildlife damage while attempting to sustain viable food production operations. Wild turkeys not only impact crop growing producers, but also livestock producers, as the turkey break through plastic wrapped forage bales, letting in moisture and air causing the hay to decay and becoming contaminated with feces, causing loss and health concerns for the livestock . Turkeys mostly target corn seed, seedling, mature corn, soybeans and fruits.
Another concern is that there is a lack of studies on disease spreading risk to raised poultry and turkeys and there are currently no details on how the long term health of the wild turkey population will be monitored.
The agriculture industry is the province’s second largest goods producing industry contributing to over $600 million annually to the province and is the economic base of rural communities. All risks associated with introducing wild turkeys need to be considered; impact on native species, diseases, government management cost, economic losses to the agricultural sector and the impact on overall ecosystems.
It is to be noted that the Government of Nova Scotia refused the introduction of wild turkeys in its province in 2001 on the basis that the specie would be in competition with native species and the lack of an independent ecological assessment.
For more information contact:
Jennifer MacDonald, AANB President, (506) 452-8101
Josée Albert, AANB CEO, (506) 452-8101