Poultry Heat Stress: Climate Change and Welfare

Rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency and severity of heat stress episodes in poultry; welfare-conscious climate adaptation requires urgent investment in housing, genetics, and management.

Key Facts

Poultry cannot sweat and rely entirely on panting for thermoregulation above 25 degrees C
Mortality events from heat stress kill hundreds of thousands of birds in single episodes
Fast-growing broilers are more susceptible to heat stress than slower-growing breeds
Tunnel ventilation, evaporative cooling, and genetic selection can reduce heat stress mortality

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress is a rapidly emerging welfare crisis in poultry as climate change increases both ambient temperatures and extreme heat event frequency. Birds panting continuously for thermoregulation are in physiological distress; when panting capacity is exhausted, core temperature rises rapidly and death follows. Welfare-conscious climate adaptation in poultry requires both infrastructure investment and management changes including adjustment of feeding schedules to cooler periods.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that require heat stress management plans
Advocate for climate adaptation investment in poultry housing as a welfare priority
Raise awareness that climate change has direct welfare implications for farmed animals