Avian Influenza and Poultry Welfare

Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks require mass culling of poultry flocks, creating acute welfare emergencies that raise profound questions about depopulation methods.

Key Facts

The 2022-2023 avian influenza outbreak resulted in the culling of over 58 million birds in the US alone
Approved emergency depopulation methods include water-based foam, ventilation shutdown with heat, and CO2
Ventilation shutdown with heat (VSD+) is controversial because it causes hyperthermia before unconsciousness
Humane depopulation requires welfare considerations even in emergency speed requirements
Prevention through biosecurity reduces outbreak incidence and avoids welfare costs of mass culling

Welfare Considerations

Mass depopulation of poultry flocks during disease outbreaks creates a welfare emergency in which speed and practicality are weighed against humaneness. Some approved emergency methods cause significant animal suffering before death. Ventilation shutdown with heat addition, while operationally convenient, causes birds to experience heat stress and hypoxia over extended periods before losing consciousness. The welfare case for investing in more humane depopulation methods and equipment before outbreaks occur is compelling. Prevention through strong biosecurity reduces the frequency of these tragic welfare emergencies.

What You Can Do

Support investment in humane depopulation equipment and protocols for disease emergency use
Advocate for ventilation shutdown methods to be replaced by more humane alternatives in disease response protocols
Choose chicken and egg products from farms with documented biosecurity programs
Learn about avian influenza as a welfare and public health concern connected to intensive poultry production