Maintaining good animal welfare outcomes in an emergency animal disease outbreak

In an emergency animal disease outbreak, it may be necessary to destroy infected and in-contact animals on-farm. Livestock depopulation methods are evolving, and animal welfare experts should assess any emerging methods before they’re used. We commissioned two independent evidence-based animal welfare reports on poultry and pig depopulation methods during an emergency animal disease response.

The reports identified preferred humane methods for depopulation with acceptable animal welfare outcomes. The reports will inform ongoing emergency animal disease planning, including AUSVETPLAN, Australia’s national veterinary emergency plan.

Mass depopulation of poultry and pigs on-farm is subject to state and territory animal welfare legislation and the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines.