Litter quality in poultry houses directly affects the health and welfare of birds through contact burns, respiratory disease and behavioural opportunity, yet is inadequately regulated in many systems.
Contact dermatitis from wet ammonia-laden litter causes painful skin lesions on feet, hocks and breasts. Birds sitting in wet litter develop progressive burns that restrict normal movement and social behaviour. High ammonia atmospheres cause eye irritation and respiratory damage. Despite being a known and preventable welfare problem, footpad dermatitis scoring shows unacceptably high prevalence across UK poultry production.