Avian Influenza and Poultry Welfare

Mass culling of poultry flocks during avian influenza outbreaks raises significant welfare concerns; humane killing methods and prevention through biosecurity minimize suffering.

Key Facts

The 2022-23 avian influenza outbreak led to the culling of over 50 million birds in the US alone
Ventilation shutdown plus heat (VSD+) is widely criticized as inhumane but remains in use for flock culling
Gaseous methods using CO2 or nitrogen foam are considered more humane alternatives for depopulation
Wild bird contact is the primary route of HPAI introduction into commercial flocks
Outbreak prevention through biosecurity reduces both culling welfare harms and disease spread

Welfare Considerations

Avian influenza outbreaks create catastrophic welfare events affecting tens of millions of birds. The culling methods used in emergencies are often selected for speed and practicality rather than welfare. Ventilation shutdown deprives birds of oxygen, causing a prolonged death from heat stress and hypoxia that takes considerably longer than gaseous or mechanical methods. Preparing alternative humane emergency depopulation protocols in advance, and investing in biosecurity to prevent outbreaks, is the welfare-protective policy approach. Consumer and regulatory pressure for humane emergency killing methods can shift industry practice before the next outbreak.

What You Can Do

Advocate for your government to mandate humane depopulation methods excluding ventilation shutdown
Support biosecurity investment in commercial poultry operations to prevent outbreak introduction
Engage with your representatives during outbreak periods about humane response protocols
Support organizations documenting and advocating against inhumane culling methods
Reduce or diversify away from intensive poultry products to reduce incentives for outbreak-prone density