Air Quality and Respiratory Welfare in Poultry Houses

Poor air quality in intensive poultry housing causes chronic respiratory disease and significant welfare suffering in millions of birds.

Key Facts

Ammonia concentrations in broiler sheds frequently exceed welfare thresholds of 20ppm
High dust levels contribute to respiratory tract inflammation and increased disease susceptibility
Inadequate ventilation is a primary cause of poor air quality in intensive poultry systems
CO2 concentrations above 3000ppm impair normal physiological function in poultry
Good litter management is essential for controlling ammonia emissions in poultry houses

Welfare Considerations

Chronic exposure to high ammonia, dust, and CO2 causes persistent irritation of the respiratory tract, impairs immune function, and increases mortality in poultry. Birds cannot escape these conditions in enclosed housing. Poor air quality is associated with eye and respiratory tract lesions at post-mortem, providing evidence of welfare harm. Ventilation investment, litter management, and lower stocking densities are key mitigation strategies. Continuous air quality monitoring should be mandatory.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory continuous air quality monitoring in poultry houses
Advocate for lower stocking density limits to reduce ammonia and dust levels
Choose poultry products from free-range or organic systems with better air quality
Support research into welfare-friendly litter additives and ventilation systems