Avian Influenza Outbreaks and Welfare

Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks require mass culling of poultry that causes significant welfare harm; preventive strategies including vaccination are increasingly important.

Key Facts

The 2021-2022 avian influenza outbreak was the largest ever recorded, affecting over 50 million birds in Europe
Mass culling methods including foam and CO2 gassing cause variable welfare outcomes depending on application
Whole-flock preventive culling of non-infected flocks in proximity to cases kills healthy animals
Vaccination of commercial poultry against avian influenza has been approved in several countries
Biosecurity measures including housing orders prevent exposure but intensive housing itself has welfare costs

Welfare Considerations

Avian influenza outbreaks create devastating welfare consequences. Infected birds suffer from the disease itself: respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and rapid deterioration. The management response involves mass culling of both infected flocks and many healthy flocks as a disease control measure. Culling methods have variable welfare outcomes; the scale of operations means individual animal welfare can be compromised by speed pressures. The vaccination strategy, now available in several countries, offers a significant welfare improvement by preventing disease and reducing the need for mass culling while also protecting production.

What You Can Do

Support avian influenza vaccination policies in commercial poultry
Advocate for welfare-focused culling protocols when depopulation is necessary
Support biosecurity infrastructure that reduces influenza introduction risk
Donate to research into better avian influenza vaccines and detection methods
Raise awareness about the welfare scale of avian influenza outbreaks and the case for vaccination