Farm Animals

Broiler Cardiovascular Disease and Welfare

Cardiovascular disease including sudden death syndrome and ascites is a major welfare and production problem in fast-growing broilers.

Key Facts

Sudden death syndrome (flip-over disease) causes instant death in apparently healthy broilers
Ascites results from pulmonary hypertension driving heart failure and fluid accumulation
Both conditions are more common in fast-growing breeds with high metabolic demands
Genetic selection for slower growth rate is the most effective preventive measure
Lighting programmes, stocking density and ventilation management can reduce but not eliminate risk

Welfare Considerations

Broilers dying from sudden cardiac failure experience acute distress in their final moments. Ascites causes progressive discomfort from fluid accumulation and breathing difficulty over days to weeks. The high prevalence of these conditions in fast-growing breeds is a welfare cost inherent to genetic selection for rapid growth that only breed reform can resolve.

What You Can Do

Support the Better Chicken Commitment requiring slower-growing breeds
Choose chicken products labelled as higher welfare or from RSPCA Assured farms
Advocate for mandatory breed health monitoring in broiler production regulations
Learn about broiler welfare from Compassion in World Farming research publications