Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 8/7/17



USPOULTRY announced the completion of a research project at North Carolina State University that provides insight on using ventilation shutdown (VSD) as a humane depopulation method.

The researchers found that the effectiveness of VSD could be enhanced by the addition of heat or CO2. Actual time of death and time spent unconscious prior to death were measured using electroencephalograms on individual hens.

The research provides a scientific foundation for understanding how the poultry industry can use VSD as a humane depopulation method during disease emergencies, the group said.

USPOULTRY approved $550,000 in emergency funding in October 2015 to support avian influenza research and communication. The research is the third project completed with the funding.  

Kenneth Anderson of North Carolina State led the project, “Evaluating Hen Behavior and Physiological Stressors during VSD for the Development of Humane Methodologies for Mass Depopulation during a Disease Outbreak.” The research summary and final report are located on the USPOULTRY website, www.uspoultry.org.

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