Welfare group says wild birds are ‘victims’, not cause, of bird flu

Wild birds are being unfairly blamed for spreading avian influenza and are instead the victims of a disease caused by intensively farmed poultry, according to animal welfare group Compassion In World Farming (CIWF).

A new CIWF report, Bird flu: Only major farm reforms can end it, claims avian influenza is “spiralling out of control due to factory farming” and is demanding changes to the way chickens are reared.

See also: Guidance on avian flu with England’s chief vet

“Until recently, the bird flu that circulated in wild birds generally caused them little harm,” it suggests.

“But when the virus enters overcrowded factory farm poultry sheds – often carried in on workers’ contaminated shoes, clothing or equipment – it can evolve into dangerous Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).”

Worst-ever outbreak

The UK is currently experiencing its worst-ever outbreak of avian influenza, with almost 300 cases reported since October 2021, resulting in the compulsory slaughter of many millions of farmed or captive birds.

Globally, CIWF says more than 500m farmed birds have died or been culled since 2021 due to avian influenza.

It has therefore suggested a three-point plan which it wants governments to adopt across the world. This consists of:

• Mass vaccination of flocks to slow the spread of bird flu
• A radical restructuring of poultry production, with smaller flocks, lower stocking rates and greater distances between farms
• An end to intensive pig production, as pigs can act as “mixing vessels” for viruses.

Claims dismissed

But the claims have been dismissed by poultry sector representatives, who insist that it is migratory birds that have spread the disease.

“No [commercial] bird has avian influenza when it goes onto farm,” said British Poultry Council chief executive Richard Griffiths.

“All incidents derive from outside the farm through wild bird incursion. When disease is detected, the farm population is culled, so disease is not spread.”

Mr Griffiths also suggested that conflating disease control with opinions on how food is produced in the UK was “irresponsible”.

“Our primary concern here is ensuring the health of our birds and the sustainability of a world-class food system producing nutritious and affordable food. In these times, that matters more than ever,” he said.

Reality

Representing the egg sector, British Free Range Egg Producers Association chief executive Robert Gooch said the CIWF report “flies in the face of reality on the ground”.

“Calling for less-intensive poultry systems in the UK is perverse when approximately 70% of laying hens are free-range or organic, yet these birds have to be locked up in houses most winters to prevent them being infected by wild birds.

“Wild birds are the source of bird flu, not poultry, and are a big threat to extensive, free-range production systems.”