Open Letter From UK Chief Veterinary Officer On Welfare Culling Of Birds For Disease Control

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Veterinary;  Public Health
Article Date: 11 Apr 2006 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Concern has been expressed by some members of the public about the methods of killing birds when used in the control and eradication of avian influenza. I should like you to know that I believe all killing for disease control should be done humanely in accordance with EU law.

All such operations domestically will be done by competent, trained operators working to standard operating procedures and acting under veterinary supervision.

The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regulations 1995 (as amended) provides a firm legal base in England. The procedures established aim to ensure that the birds become unconscious rapidly and remain so until they are dead.

Checks will be done by veterinary staff to ensure that all birds are dead before carcases are moved for disposal. It is out of the question that live birds would be, for example, buried alive, whether in plastic sacks or not. Disposal of bird carcases for avian influenza control will be by incineration or rendering.

TV coverage of scenes elsewhere in the world have rightly given cause for concern because they have shown a poor picture of the humanness of culling operations for avian influenza in some places.

The UK has high standards of animal welfare and many recognised experts and organisations. This has been deployed to encourage efforts internationally and assist others in developing more humane techniques for killing birds.

I should be grateful if readers of this letter will disseminate my message.

Debby Reynolds
Chief Veterinary Officer
http://www.defra.gov.uk

• Additional
• References
• Citations