Massacre of Poultry in Korea

Humane Methods to Deal With and Prevent Bird Flu

Dear Mr Yoo Jeong-Bok,

I am contacting you regarding the recent outbreak of avian flu that has resulted in a mass-cull of poultry in the Republic of Korea. The consequence of such outbreaks is inhumane emergency slaughter methods, in many instances even including burying the animals while still alive, which is unacceptable. Effective and humane standards have been set up by the OIE. The inhumane slaughter must come to an end; the avian flu preparedness plan should include humane culling methods, when culling is unavoidable. WSPA has previously recommended humane solutions to killing poultry during emergency situations that include using gas, hand held stunners, electric baths and lethal injection of anesthetic by vets, all of which, when properly administered, would kill the animal immediately and pain-free. Regardless of the method of killing, death should be confirmed prior to disposal. In addition, vaccination in areas where avian influenza is endemic can protect healthy birds. This will reduce the likelihood of the virus being passed to other birds and to humans. Vaccination could be particularly useful for pets and exotic breeds of birds kept in zoos, wildlife parks or private collections.

Although a year-round monitoring for the bird flu virus will certainly aid in preventing future outbreaks, the Republic of Korea is already dealing with foot and mouth disease that has resulted in the death of over a million animals. The repeated outbreaks of animal diseases in Asia in the recent years is linked to the over-expansion of industrial animal agriculture. The increasing intensity of production raises some serious public health concerns. Factory farms have the ideal conditions for quick and massive spread of animal diseases. For instance, highly concentrated poultry farms provide optimal conditions for the avian flu to thrive. The Government should introduce effective legislation to stop the expansion of factory farming and encourage humane and sustainable forms of animal agriculture that are based on considerations of animal welfare. Furthermore, long distance transportation of live animals and the coming together of poultry from a variety of sources at live animal markets further exacerbate the risk and create conditions for the disease to spread rapidly from province to province. Distressed birds crammed into small cages stacked above each other defecate on those below. Such close confinement in live poultry markets can result in the formation of new reassortment viruses that may be easily transmitted to humans with devastating effects. Without reduction or control of poultry movements, this spread is likely to continue. The Government should consider banning the sale of live poultry at animal markets.

Thank you for your time on this important matter.

Sincerely,

[Your name]