Duck farming welfare standards vary enormously between countries, with some jurisdictions requiring open water access while others have no specific duck welfare legislation. Global harmonisation is needed.
The global duck welfare picture is characterised by enormous variation, with high welfare standards in some markets coexisting with almost complete regulatory absence in others. Supply chain globalisation means that consumer choices in high-welfare jurisdictions can inadvertently support low-welfare production in exporting countries. Greater transparency and global welfare standard development are urgently needed.