Southeast Asia produces millions of tonnes of farmed catfish annually. Welfare standards in this rapidly growing industry vary enormously across the region.
Despite catfish tolerance for low oxygen, extremely high stocking densities cause chronic stress responses measured through cortisol elevation and immune suppression. Crowding also increases disease pressure, requiring antibiotic use that contributes to resistance concerns. Slaughter practices remain poorly standardized, with many facilities using methods that prolong the dying process. The rapid growth of this industry has outpaced welfare science, leaving major knowledge gaps. Certification schemes are improving conditions at the supply chain top but reach only a fraction of total production.