Farmed Duck Welfare in Asia: Scale and Standards

Asia produces the majority of the world's farmed ducks, with China alone responsible for over 70% of global production, largely without the welfare standards emerging in European markets.

Key Facts

Global duck production exceeds 7 billion birds annually, with Asia (primarily China and Vietnam) producing 70%+
Asian duck production is predominantly in intensive systems without access to open water
Pekin ducks, originally bred in China, are the dominant commercial breed globally
Welfare standards for farmed ducks in China and Vietnam are limited or non-existent
Slaughter methods in many Asian markets include live-scalding without prior stunning
Avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks have been linked to duck farming practices in some regions
Export of duck products to the UK and EU is growing, creating supply chain welfare challenges

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of farmed ducks in Asian production systems is almost entirely unregulated and undisclosed. The scale of production - billions of animals - means this represents one of the largest pools of unaddressed welfare harm in global food systems. UK and EU retailers sourcing duck products from Asian production must engage with supply chain welfare standards if they wish to make credible welfare claims. Consumer awareness that 'duck' on a restaurant menu may come from systems with no welfare standards can drive demand for transparency and sourcing commitment.

What You Can Do

Ask about sourcing standards when purchasing duck products in restaurants or retail
Choose duck products from UK or EU producers with welfare certification where available
Support campaigns for supply chain welfare transparency in imported poultry products
Reduce or eliminate duck consumption from undisclosed or non-certified sources
Advocate for import welfare standards that require equivalent welfare protection for products from non-EU countries