Disease management in commercial poultry operations directly affects welfare, with better health management reducing suffering while supporting production goals.
Disease is one of the most significant sources of welfare suffering in commercial poultry, and disease management programs directly affect welfare outcomes. Respiratory diseases that cause labored breathing, reduced feed intake, and depression affect millions of birds in commercial flocks. Marek's disease causes tumors, paralysis, and death in unvaccinated birds. Effective vaccination programs, good biosecurity, reduced stocking densities, and good air quality all reduce disease incidence and the welfare suffering it causes. The alignment between disease control and welfare improvement creates natural incentives for producers to implement better health management practices.