Avian Influenza and Poultry Welfare

Avian influenza outbreaks have led to the culling of hundreds of millions of birds globally. The welfare implications of mass culling and prevention strategies deserve serious consideration.

Key Facts

Over 200 million birds were culled due to avian influenza outbreaks in 2022 alone
Foam and ventilation shutdown are the primary mass culling methods used in the US
Ventilation shutdown by overheating is considered inhumane by the American Veterinary Medical Association
Vaccination programs have been approved in some countries as a more welfare-preserving alternative
High stocking densities in intensive poultry facilitate rapid disease spread requiring larger culls

Welfare Considerations

Mass culling during avian influenza outbreaks involves killing large numbers of birds using methods that may cause significant suffering. Ventilation shutdown — cutting off air to a house and raising temperature until all birds die of heat stress — is both prolonged and causes significant distress. Foam depopulation is faster but quality control is critical. The scale of avian influenza culling — hundreds of millions of birds — represents an enormous welfare cost that preventive vaccination could reduce. The intensive, high-density systems where outbreaks spread most rapidly create both the welfare problem and the conditions that necessitate mass culling.

What You Can Do

Support avian influenza vaccination programs as a welfare-preferring alternative to mass culling
Advocate for humane mass depopulation methods that minimize suffering
Support research into biosecurity measures that reduce outbreak risk
Reduce poultry consumption to reduce demand for high-density systems vulnerable to outbreaks
Engage legislators about mandatory humane culling method standards