Farm Animals

Chicken Respiratory Health and Air Quality

Air quality in broiler and layer houses significantly affects respiratory health and welfare, with ammonia and dust being the primary concerns.

Key Facts

Ammonia from litter decomposition irritates respiratory tracts at low concentrations
EU regulations set ammonia limits in poultry houses at 20 ppm
High dust levels increase susceptibility to respiratory disease
Broiler houses can harbour high concentrations of harmful bacteria and fungi
Ventilation design is critical to maintaining acceptable air quality

Welfare Considerations

Poor air quality causes chronic irritation, reduced feed intake, impaired immunity, and in severe cases respiratory disease and lung damage. Birds cannot escape high ammonia areas in intensive systems. Welfare-focused management includes regular litter turning, appropriate stocking density, and ventilation systems matched to flock size and weather conditions.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards with mandatory air quality monitoring
Choose poultry from systems with lower stocking densities
Advocate for ammonia monitoring requirements with enforcement
Support research into litter management techniques that reduce ammonia
Ask supermarkets about their poultry housing air quality standards