Farmed Broiler Chicken Respiratory Health

Respiratory diseases are major welfare challenges in broiler chicken production affecting bird health, wellbeing, and economic outcomes.

Key Facts

Chronic respiratory disease from Mycoplasma gallisepticum is endemic in many commercial flocks
Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis virus cause outbreaks despite vaccination programs
High stocking densities increase airborne pathogen loads and stress-related immune suppression
Litter ammonia damages respiratory epithelium and predisposes to bacterial respiratory infections
Modern broiler breeds with rapid growth have reduced immune capacity compared to heritage breeds
Ventilation management is critical - poor airflow allows ammonia, dust, and pathogen accumulation
The respiratory tract is the primary portal of entry for many avian pathogens

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory infections cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, and systemic illness in affected broilers. Chronically infected birds experience reduced oxygen delivery affecting all body systems. Poor litter quality with high ammonia causes painful respiratory tract irritation in all birds in a flock even without infection. The combination of genetic predisposition from growth selection and intensive housing creates conditions where respiratory welfare is chronically compromised.

What You Can Do

Support farm assurance programs requiring ventilation standards and ammonia monitoring in broiler houses
Choose chicken from welfare-certified producers with lower stocking densities and better air quality management
Advocate for stocking density regulations that allow adequate ventilation for broiler health
Support research into slower-growing broiler breeds with better immune function
Engage food companies on requiring respiratory health monitoring in their poultry supply chains
Promote adoption of regular litter quality monitoring as a welfare indicator on broiler farms