Effects of Aircraft Noise and Sonic Booms on Domestic Animals - A preliminary Model and a Synthesis of the Literature and Claims

摘要

The effects of noise on domestic animals have been studied since the late 1950's, and have been reviewed repeatedly (e.g. Bell, 1972; Cottereau, 1978; Bond, 1970; Dufour, 1980). Based on these documents, the environmental planner would expect little hazard from conducting even very low-altitude flights over agricultural areas. However, based on the claims levied against the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for damages to domestic animals, the effects can be great, ranging from panicking animals to inducing catastrophic declines in reproductive capacity. We have reviewed both sources of data to resolve as much as possible the contradictions. Based on the synthesis of both sources, we have also created a 'straw man' model of the effects of aircraft noise on domestic livestock and poultry. In brief, our review of the claims files, which include 209 claims pertinent to aircraft noise, suggested that the major source of loss was panics induced in naive animals, and secondarily losses due to reproductive failure and failure to gain weight properly. These claims spanned a 32 year period and were remarkably uncommon when one considers the number of flight-miles logged over remote areas. Those deemed legitimate by Air Force examiners cost the USAF less than $24, 000 per year countrywide, and over 62% of this cost could be attributed to a single claim for animals that escaped after stampeding away from aircraft. Thus, the economic loss to the community is small; the concerns about damage effects are political in nature.