Duck farming in Asia is a major industry with significant welfare challenges. Water access, density, and slaughter methods are key welfare concerns requiring attention.
Asian duck farming welfare deserves far greater attention than it currently receives. The scale of production is enormous, and welfare standards in many producing countries are minimal. Ducks are water birds with strong biological motivations to swim and bathe; confining them in dry, crowded sheds without water access causes chronic frustrated behaviour that represents genuine welfare deprivation. As global supply chains connect Asian duck production to European and North American markets, importing country standards and retailer requirements have the power to drive meaningful improvements.