Full title: Online guide for selecting the most appropriate depopulation method from a poultry welfare perspective in the event of avian influenza
Sponsor: FRCAW EURCAW Poultry-SFA (European Reference Center for the Welfare of Poultry and other Small Farm Animals)
Date of publication: 10/2025
Last update: 10/2025
DOI: 10.17180/6amz-r692
Context
In collaboration with EURCAW-Poultry-SFA, FRCAW has developed a guide for selecting the most appropriate depopulation method from an animal welfare perspective, taking into account the different depopulation contexts encountered in cases of avian influenza (i.e., depending on the species affected, the farming system involved, and the resources available). This guide, published in early 2025 in the form of a nested hierarchy of decision trees, aims to provide operational support to the competent authorities of European Union member states in choosing the methods to be implemented. In order to facilitate access and support its use in an operational context, this guide is now available in interactive digital format. This online version allows for more user-friendly consultation and facilitates the use of the tool in emergency situations.
How does the tool work?
The guide consists of eleven decision trees, each corresponding to a depopulation method currently used in the European Union. It proposes a ranking of the different depopulation methods based on animal welfare considerations, prioritizing those that minimize pain and stress for the birds while ensuring a quick death. The proposed ranking is based on two key parameters: the size of the flock concerned and the presence or absence of clinical symptoms of avian influenza in the animals. The user is guided step by step through a series of questions designed to determine whether the most favorable method in terms of animal welfare can be implemented in the context in question. The human, technical, and environmental resources required to implement the methods are systematically assessed. The guide operates on a principle of progressive validation: a method can only be selected if all the conditions necessary for its application in accordance with animal welfare requirements are met. If this is not the case, the tool automatically redirects the user to the next highest-ranked method until an applicable method is identified.
Precautions for use:
The ranking of depopulation methods is based solely on animal welfare considerations. It therefore does not take into account factors that indirectly influence animal welfare, such as biosecurity or the safety (physical and psychological) of operators. These factors must, however, be considered by the competent authorities in their final decision.
The classification is also based on currently available scientific knowledge and equipment currently on the market. To remain relevant over time, the guide should therefore be updated to reflect the latest scientific and technological developments.
