Support Stricter Regulations and Vaccinations for Poultry Farms.

We urge Dr. Mike Watson, Administrator of the USDA's APHIS, to implement stricter poultry farm regulations, including mandatory avian influenza vaccinations and bird density limits, to enhance animal welfare, minimize disease outbreaks, and protect public health.

As a lifelong vegetarian advocating for ethical animal treatment, I have witnessed the suffering in crowded poultry farms. The COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted me personally, highlighted the urgent need to prevent the spread of diseases that endanger both animals and humans.

While avian flu is primarily transmitted from bird to bird, overcrowding on farms has greatly increased the risk of transmission to other mammals. Infections can cause disease that affects multiple internal organs, with mortality reaching 90% to 100% in chickens. According to the World Health Organization, from January 1, 2003, to July 19, 2024, there were 896 reported human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1), resulting in 463 fatalities, a staggering case fatality rate of 52%.

Research shows as the number of birds grows, so does the likelihood of transmission. Furthermore, the CDC warns that birds can rapidly spread diseases over large distances, carrying pathogens between species. Restricting chicken density and mandating vaccines like H5N1 can mitigate these risks by slowing disease spread in overcrowded farms. Vaccination has been shown to improve resistance, reduce the amount of virus that vaccinated birds shed, and decrease overall disease transmission, making it a vital tool in combating outbreaks.

We urge Dr. Michael Watson to act now. Stricter regulations on overcrowding and mandatory vaccinations in poultry farms will reduce avian flu risks and protect both animal welfare and public health. Sign the petition to help secure a safer future for birds and the communities that rely on them.