For bird owners in the rural islands of Hawai'i, access to qualified or specialty avian veterinary medicine depends on air travel to allow their avian companions to reach veterinary hospitals on the urban islands of O'ahu and Maui. Unfortunately, Hawaiian Airlines, the dominant local airline which provides most inter-island passenger service, has long forbidden in-cabin transport for pet birds despite having no such restriction for dogs and cats. Instead, for all pet avian companions, including those needing veterinary attention, Hawaiian Airlines requires travel only in cargo holds, and further requires that owners sign a declaration that the bird is not sick. Alaska Airlines, the new owner of Hawaiian Airlines, which formerly held tolerant policies on birds in the cabin, has adopted Hawaiian’s restrictive policies - not just in Hawaii, but throughout its entire United States network. These policies have created a serious and unintended nation-wide barrier to veterinary care access that deserves our collective attention and action.

A Change.org petition now calls on these airlines to restore in-cabin transport for pet birds. As avian veterinarians, we should strongly encourage this effort as a matter of animal welfare, public trust, and access to medically appropriate care.

Why This Matters in Hawaiʻi 

Unlike much of the continental United States, Hawai'i's island geography makes inter-island air travel essential. Qualified veterinary services are severely restricted or unavailable on outlying rural islands, and specialty care such as advanced diagnostics, surgery, or emergency services often requires travel to Oʻahu or Maui. When birds cannot travel safely in the cabin with their owners, many are unable to reach the care they need. Cargo transport is not an acceptable substitute for companion birds. Temperature extremes, noise, handling stress, and delays pose significant health risks, particularly for medically compromised patients. For some birds, the stress alone can exacerbate existing conditions or precipitate new ones. The result is an unacceptable dilemma for bird owners: to delay or forgo veterinary care, or subject their bird to unsafe transport conditions. Neither option aligns with our commitment to animal welfare.

In-Cabin Travel Is a Proven, Responsible Option

For decades, in-cabin pet bird travel has been conducted safely and responsibly under clear guidelines: secure, airline-approved carriers, birds remaining under the seat, owner supervision at all times, obtaining health certificates, and compliance with biosecurity and behavioral standards. There is no credible evidence that properly managed in-cabin bird travel poses a greater risk to aircraft safety or passenger health than other already-permitted cabin pets. Birds transported in the cabin are more stable, more easily monitored, and far less likely to experience medical emergencies than those transported as cargo. From a veterinary perspective, in-cabin travel is the medically necessary option. Airlines have not successfully explained why there exists this bifurcated policy, allowing dogs and cats unrestricted cabin access, while birds (and other types of pets) are prohibited.

Why the Change.org Petition Matters

It provides a unified, public forum for stakeholders such as bird owners, veterinarians, breeders, conservationists, and animal welfare advocates to demonstrate that this issue affects a real and responsible community. Airlines do respond to organized, professional, and sustained advocacy, particularly when it is framed around safety, welfare, concern for animal cruelty, and access to essential services. Our voices as avian veterinarians carry particular weight. We can articulate the medical consequences of current policies, explain why alternatives are inadequate, and reassure airlines that reasonable accommodations exist.

A Call to Action for AAV Members

We encourage members of the Association of Avian Veterinarians to:

• Sign the petition supporting in-cabin pet bird travel on Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines here: https://c.org/JpQvtDDDdQ
• Encourage others to circulate this link so more individuals have an opportunity to review, sign and share the petition.
• Educate clients about the importance of advocacy for safe transport options.
• Consider submitting professional statements or letters outlining the veterinary implications of restricted bird travel.

Ensuring access to qualified veterinary care should not depend on an owner’s geographic isolation or willingness to take unacceptable risks. Restoring in-cabin travel for pet birds, especially in a geographically unique setting like Hawaii, is a reasonable, compassionate, and medically sound step forward. By lending our professional support, we can help remove a barrier that currently stands between birds and the care they deserve.

Special thanks to AAV Avian Welfare Committee Co-Chairs Dr. Anthony Pilny and Dr. Richie Burdeaux for their review and support of this article. 

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large flightless bird native to Australia and the second tallest bird in the world after African ostriches. In addition to farming for meat, oil, and leather, they are also kept as pets. Emus are often described as hardy and adaptable, yet their welfare in managed settings depends on how well their biological and behavioral needs are understood. The Five Domains Model for Welfare Assessment consists of evaluating Nutrition, Physical Environment, Health, Behavioral Interactions, and Mental State and provides a structured framework to evaluate emu welfare by linking physical conditions to the animal’s lived experience. Using this framework shifts the discussion toward practical, evidence-based management choices that can help shape positive welfare outcomes.

Five Domains Model for Welfare Assessment 

Nutrition

The emu’s digestive physiology differs markedly from that of poultry. Emus are monogastric birds that function as hindgut fermenters, with large ceca and colons adapted for microbial fermentation of fibrous plant material, making them far more efficient fiber users than poultry. Because young emus develop this hindgut function over time, feeding them poultry-style diets, especially in early life, can lead to digestive and welfare problems. Diets that are overly energy-dense or protein-heavy have been associated with obesity, kidney strain, leg deformities, and digestive disturbances, while insufficient fiber is linked to gut upset and abnormal behaviors. Proper balance of minerals and vitamins, particularly calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin A, are critical to skeletal integrity, muscle function, immunity, and reproduction. Diet composition should change with age, as chicks require higher protein and gradually increasing fiber, while adults benefit most from fiber-rich, moderate-energy diets.

Physical Environment

The physical environment domain reflects the emu’s evolutionary history as a wide-ranging, cursorial bird. Welfare guidance consistently highlights the importance of large outdoor enclosures, natural substrates, and shelter that protects from weather extremes while allowing airflow and dryness. Hard or slippery surfaces, limited space, or poorly designed fencing increase injury risk and restrict normal movement such as running and foraging. Enclosure layout, fence visibility, and predator-proofing are practical elements that directly influence comfort, safety, and stress levels, particularly for young birds.

Health

Health outcomes in emus often reveal the cumulative effects of nutrition and environment. Documented concerns include skeletal disease, metabolic disorders, fatty liver, gut dysbiosis, and increased disease susceptibility due to nutritional imbalance or spoiled feed. Indicators, such as altered gait, poor body condition, feather quality changes, and reduced reproductive success, provide measurable signals of compromised welfare. Importantly, many of these conditions are multifactorial, reinforcing the value of preventative management, gradual dietary transitions, veterinary care, and routine monitoring rather than reactive intervention.

Behavioral Interactions

Behavioral interactions encompass both social dynamics and engagement with the environment. Emus are social birds, and isolation, overcrowding, or competition at feeders can lead to aggression, uneven growth, and chronic stress. Limited space or environmental monotony has been associated with repetitive behaviors such as pacing or swaying. Research on emu cognition indicates individual variation in learning and memory, shaped by ecological pressures, suggesting that predictable routines, pasture access, and opportunities for movement support normal behavioral expression and reduce conflict.

Mental State

The mental state domain integrates the preceding four domains to reflect the emu’s subjective experience. Chronic hunger from low-satiety diets, discomfort from poor footing, pain associated with skeletal disease, or fear triggered by predators and sudden disturbances can all negatively affect welfare. Conversely, fiber-rich diets, space to run, social companionship, and stable, low-stress environments are associated with improved comfort and behavioral stability. Viewed through the Five Domains framework, emu welfare emerges not as a question of resilience, but as the outcome of informed management decisions that shape both physical conditions and the animal’s quality of life.

Using the Five Domains Model to assess emu care emphasizes the degree to which management practices meet the species’ biological and behavioral requirements. Nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state are deeply interconnected, with shortcomings in one domain often amplifying challenges in others. Recognizing these relationships encourages proactive, evidence-based practices—such as age-appropriate, fiber-rich diets; spacious, well-designed enclosures; and management that supports social and exploratory behaviors. Framing emu care through this holistic lens moves welfare assessment beyond survival or productivity, emphasizing instead the quality of the emu’s lived experience and the responsibility of caretakers to actively support positive welfare outcomes.

References

1. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/five-domains-model-animal-welfare
2. Brake, J. D. (2009). Ratite Nutrition and Feeding. VTechWorks (Virginia Tech).
3. Carroll, R., & Martine, C. T. (2011). An ecological and cultural review of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae): Dreamtime - present. 5(1), 7.
4. Ingvar Ekesbo, & Gunnarsson, S. (n.d.). Farm Animal Behaviour : Characteristics for Assessment of Health and Welfare. Wallingford: Cabi.
5. R. Mincham, Malecki, I., Williams, K. M., Blache, D., Williams, I., & Martin, G. (1998). Assessment of fat content and body condition in the emu. 197–200.
6. Reddy, S., Prasad Reddy, L. V., & Sivajothi, S. (2019). The role of calcium in development of leg deformities in emu birds (Dromaius novaehollandiae). International International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.15406/ijawb.2019.04.00152
   

Visiting the veterinarian and encountering the dreaded white coat syndrome provokes stress in all animals, and our avian patients are no exception. Even the calmest birds often exhibit signs of FAS (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress) immediately after entering the veterinary hospital and with towel or restraint methods. This threshold infringes on two of the Five Welfare Freedoms: Freedom from discomfort and Freedom from fear and distress. So, how do we address this? What strategies can help us reduce FAS for our patients before, during, and after their visits? In this article, we will explore ways to identify problems at each stage and implement simple yet effective solutions.

Before discussing specific strategies, it’s important to recognize behaviors associated with different FAS levels to determine when a physical exam might be doing more harm than good. FAS Levels 0 and 1 are what you'd expect: a relaxed bird (preening, soft eyes), willing to take food, and beginning to seek escape routes. How often do we see this? Probably rarely, as most patients arrive at the clinic displaying FAS levels 2 and 3—leaning away, eye pinning, and attempting escape. In more extreme cases, some birds may lunge, bite, or vocalize panic at levels 4 and 5.

Image caption: Avian FAS Scale from Fear Free Happy Homes
Click image to enlarge

Now, let's explore strategies to reduce FAS at each stage of the veterinary visit: before, during, and after.

Before the Exam

The most critical period for reducing stress occurs before the visit, though it’s often outside the veterinarian's direct control. Education and communication with clients are essential. We can guide them on steps to lessen their pet’s FAS even before they arrive at the clinic.

Simple, effective strategies include familiarizing birds with handling, touching, and towel wrapping. These practices help prevent our behaviors from seeming predatory or unfamiliar, creating a sense of familiarity. Towel training is particularly effective, although it must be done gradually, breaking down the process into smaller steps to gauge each bird’s comfort threshold. Positive reinforcement—rewarding desirable behaviors with treats—is key. Consistent use of treats during handling routines fosters familiarity and reduces fear.

Choosing the right carrier is also vital. Carriers should offer a stable, quiet environment and be carried gently without swinging, to keep the bird as relaxed as possible during transport.

During the Exam

While the steps during the exam may seem straightforward, consciously managing this process can significantly improve welfare for staff, patients, and clients alike.

Start by being curious—what do you know about this species? Has the bird been handled before? Is this a wellness exam? These questions inform your approach and help you prepare appropriately. Slowing down is critical, especially for prey species: quick movements can be perceived as danger. By taking your time, you allow the bird to observe and respond, giving you insight into how it’s feeling.

Observe the bird’s demeanor before physically handling it—note its movement, feather condition, respiratory effort, and other signs of stress or health concerns.. If the bird becomes overwhelmed, consider pausing or leaving the room briefly to allow it to relax before completing the exam.

In some cases, sedation can be beneficial, especially if the bird exhibits high stress levels that impede examination. A low dose of midazolam (administered intranasally or via injection) can provide adequate sedation, which is reversible with flumazenil. This allows for a calmer, more thorough exam, though it must be used judiciously, weighing risks and benefits.

At the conclusion of the exam, reinforce positive experiences by offering treats and gently returning the bird to its carrier or caretaker. Keep in mind that many birds may not eat immediately after stress; in such cases, releasing them into a familiar environment can help.

If these tactics aren’t effective, collaborate with the client to develop a tailored plan that could include home handling, behavioral training, or pharmacologic support.

After the Exam

Once the examination concludes—whether the bird is released from a towel, the sedation reversed, or handling is complete—it's important to allow the bird to regain composure in a safe space. If possible, let the bird choose whether to return to its carrier or go to its caretaker. This autonomy helps reduce stress and fosters trust.

Equally important is educating the client. Discuss what measures can be implemented at home to decrease FAS, such as handling routines, environmental modifications, or behavior training. Tailoring strategies to each patient’s needs — including sedation or home visits — can further enhance welfare and cooperation for future visits.

References

1. Stress in Birds, Chapter 33 in Sturkie’s Avian Physiology, 6th edition: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780124071605000336?via%3Dihub
2. Avian Behavior: An Introduction: https://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00346.htm
3. Manual of Parrot Behavior, Chapter 16: Clinical Evaluation of Psittacine Behavioral Disorders: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470344651.ch16
4. Mans C, Guzman DS, Lahner LL, Paul-Murphy J, Sladky KK. Sedation and physiologic response to manual restraint after intranasal administration of midazolam in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). J Avian Med Surg. 2012 Sep;26(3):130-9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23156974/
5. Fear Free LLC 2023 Fear Free Veterinary Certification Program - Avian https://www.fearfree.com/course/veterinary-professional-certification-program-avian/

The illicit trade of wild avian species represents a sinister challenge to global biodiversity and environmental conservation. This trade, deeply rooted in a dark history, spans continents and cultures involving the exchange of rare and exotic birds for pets, traditional medicine, or ornaments, and impacting millions of birds annually.

Historical Importance of Illegal Wildlife Trade

Dating back to ancient times, possessing rare birds was often a symbol of status among the nobility in various cultures, from the Roman Empire to the Chinese dynasties. This glamorous view of having an exotic pet led to the illegal wildlife trade being instituted by the elite and the curious. It has now become more common to own a bird, and while not an inherently wrong practice, it is crucial to understand the bird's origins. Initially, transportation difficulties and the rarity of such species made it increasingly difficult to trade these species at high volumes. However, modern-day technology, increasing interest and social media has allowed for an increase in the capacity and demand of illegal wildlife trade.

Scale and Impact

Today, the illegal avian trade involves parrots, finches, eagles, songbirds, and basically all taxa of birds. Despite the challenge in exact quantification due to its clandestine nature, it's estimated by the World Parrot Trust that the illegal trade affects up to 5 million birds annually. It is also important to note that in some bird trades, it's expected that around 75% of the birds will die during transportation due to shipping conditions, disease, trauma, and stress. This trade is particularly devastating for populations of highly prized species, such as the African Grey Parrot, which has seen declines of up to 99% in some parts of its range, primarily due to poaching for the pet trade.

Current Issues

One of the most pressing issues in combating the illegal wildlife trade is the challenge of law enforcement and regulation. Despite international treaties such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival, enforcement remains problematic at the national and local levels, where resources and political will may be lacking. Also, practices may not be seen as illegal or harmful and may be seen solely as sources of income.

There is a growing demand in various parts of the world for exotic pets, and birds are no exception. In fact they are in higher demand due to their ability to bond with people and their long life span. Social media platforms and online marketplaces have made it easier for traffickers to reach potential buyers while social media influences can market having exotic birds, leading to demands for them, much like seen after a Hollywood movie such as "Rio" or "Paulie" complicating the fight against this illegal trade.

Practical solutions to curb the illegal avian trade are multifaceted, requiring international cooperation, stringent law enforcement, and raising public awareness.

1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Countries must enact and enforce stricter laws that deter wildlife traffickers. Fines and sentencing should be severe enough to outweigh the lucrative profits of the trade.
2. International Collaboration: International cooperation is vital due to the transboundary effects and spanning of the illegal wildlife trade. This means adhering to international treaties like CITES and engaging in bilateral agreements and joint operations to dismantle trafficking networks.
3. Public Awareness and Education: Reducing demand for illegally traded birds through public awareness campaigns is crucial. Education initiatives can help potential buyers recognize their purchases' environmental and ethical implications while giving them the resources to find sustainable breeders for their exotic pet purchases.
4. Monetary Support for Conservation Efforts: Conservation programs that focus on habitat preservation, restoration, and the rehabilitation and reintroduction of confiscated birds are essential for the recovery of affected populations.
5. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging technology can aid monitoring and enforcement. For instance, DNA barcoding helps identify confiscated birds, while artificial intelligence can analyze online marketplaces and social media for illegal trading activities. 

The illegal wildlife trade poses a significant threat to avian species worldwide. Combating this requires a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, communities, and individuals. By understanding the roots of this issue and implementing comprehensive strategies, there is hope for safeguarding the world's avian biodiversity for future generations.

References

1. World Parrot Trust: https://www.parrots.org/
2. CITES: https://cites.org/eng
3. BirdLife: https://www.birdlife.org/
   
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666937423000021
5. https://lafeber.com/vet/understanding-the-illegal-parrot-trade/#:~:text=Poaching% 20is%20associated%20with%20a,per%20year)%20die%20in%20transit. 

Wing trimming, or feather trimming, is a common grooming procedure performed on pet psittacines to limit and block their flight capabilities while ensuring they can glide safely to land without achieving vertical lift. This practice aims to ensure the bird's safety, nurture dependence during training, and prevent escape or access to hazardous areas within a home such as kitchens or ceiling fans. Understanding the procedure's nuances, including best practices and potential impacts on a bird's welfare, is crucial for pet owners and practicing veterinarians to understand. Counseling clients on the value of flight is highly recommended to avoid habitual grooming practices.

Types of Wing Trims

1. Standard Method
   This approach involves trimming typically 3-7 out of the 10 primary flight feathers at the shaft, ensuring not to include the primary coverts. The exact number of feathers trimmed can depend on the bird's species and the desired outcome, aiming to balance flight landing and safety. Some leave the outermost one or two feathers (9 and 10) at an owner's request although this still blocks flight.
2. **Slim or Skinny Trim:**
   This method trims the trailing edge of the primary flight feathers to limit flight without drastically impacting the bird's appearance or natural behavior. This newer practice has potential benefits, including being aesthetically pleasing, customizable flight abilities, normal molt cycle maintenance, and reduced risk of breaking blood feathers.

Species Considerations

The effectiveness and approach to wing trimming can vary significantly between species. For instance, slim-bodied, long-tailed birds like macaws and cockatiels may require more feathers to be trimmed compared to heavier-bodied birds like Amazon and African grey parrots. Some smaller species such as green cheek conures may still fly with an aggressive flight feather trim. Conducting a flight test post-trim is vital to ensure the desired outcome has been achieved, considering the species-specific anatomy and physiology.

Why Wing Trimming Is Performed

Wing trims are commonly undertaken due to misconceptions about their necessity, desires to prevent the bird from escaping, safety concerns (e.g., ceiling fans, windows, and mirrors), fostering the human-animal bond and training efforts, and restricting access to certain home areas. While generally harmless with minimal handling required, the implications of wing trims, such as decreased natural behaviors, potential weight gain, and muscle atrophy, cannot be overlooked. Simply stated, flight is the most natural activity for birds and remains their only form of exercise.

The Importance of Flight for Pet Birds

Flight is an intrinsic part of a bird's physical and psychological well-being. Birds are evolutionarily designed for flight, with adaptations like pneumatic bones, efficient gas exchange systems, and powerful pectoral muscles. Regular flight exercises these muscles, preventing muscle wasting and excessive fat deposition. Flying also stimulates a bird's mental health, reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviors important for a healthy lifestyle.

Therefore, the limitation of flight through wing trimming must be carefully considered against the backdrop of these benefits. Practices and decisions should balance ensuring the bird's safety and allowing for some natural movement and exercise. Additional research on the physiological and psychological benefits of flight and the detriments of its absence in birds underscores the need for careful consideration when trimming a bird's wings. Studies indicate that regular flight activity supports cardiovascular health, enhances muscle tone, and improves pet bird health outcomes.

Ethical considerations in pet bird care also highlight the importance of environmental enrichment and the role of flight in achieving a high-quality life for captive birds. In some studies, it has been suggested that flying can increase appetite, happiness, and willingness to partake in cognitive tasks. This expanded information aims to provide pet bird owners with a comprehensive understanding of wing trimming, emphasizing the procedure's implications and the critical role of flight in a bird's health and happiness.

References

1. 1. Do Birds Enjoy Flying? An Analysis of Affect Following Flight in Galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla) YRA van Zeeland, DVM, MVR, PhD, DECZM (Avian, Small Mammal), CPBC, Proceedings AAV Conference 2024
   2. https://lafeber.com/vet/flight-mechanics-ethical-concerns/
   3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287605561_Welfare_Assessment_of_Flight-restrained_Captive_Birds_Effects_of_Inhibition_of_Locomotion
   4. https://avianstudios.com/metabolic-bone-disease/development-of-metabolic-bone-disease-in-birds/
   5. https://www.dvm360.com/view/silent-killer-atherosclerosis-pet-birds-proceedings

Additional AAV Member Resources

• Wing Trimming Client Education Handout (available in the AAV Publications Library)
• Wing Trim Record (available in the AAV Publications Library)
• Common Avian Procedures: Wing Trims (avalable in the AAV Online Education Portal)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu, is a viral infection that affects bird species worldwide, posing threats to poultry industries, wild bird populations, and animal welfare on a global scale. The spread of HPAI has prompted countries to take drastic measures to contain outbreaks, often involving depopulation of millions of birds to prevent further virus spread. This article explores the impact of HPAI on animal welfare, the response from various countries, and the long-term implications for global poultry production.

The primary concern with the outbreak of HPAI is the welfare of millions of domesticated poultry. The virus causes high mortality rates in affected flocks, leading to the suffering and death of commercial, backyard, and pet birds. Depopulation, a standard method to control the spread of the disease, refers to the rapid destruction of a population of animals in response to urgent circumstances with as much consideration given to the welfare of the animals as practicable. Depopulating is deemed necessary for infectious disease control and involves killing both infected and healthy birds, raising ethical and welfare concerns. While depopulating limits the spread of HPAI, there is no excuse for depopulating inhumanely, and maintaining the lowest possible stress level, even during the depopulating procedure, is a top priority. Aside from the ethical dilemmas of depopulating sick birds there is concern over depopulation of healthy animals, as it is increasingly challenging to ensure the healthy animals will not develop clinical signs, spread the virus, and quarantining/isolation is not always a viable option. The standard practice of depopulation is not always a viable option for household pet birds not used for any commercial purposes. In these instances, supportive care, proper biosecurity, and isolation are good practices to increase bird survivability and minimize the risk of potential spread to other birds or humans.

Countries affected by HPAI outbreaks have adopted various disease management strategies, including depopulation, vaccination, and biosecurity measures. For instance, the European Commission, EU Member States and Associated Countries have funded 600 million euros worth of research into more effective vaccines and disease management strategies to minimize depopulation and improve animal welfare. Similarly, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed protocols for the humane depopulation of poultry, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in disease control measures. Prophylactic non-lethal forms of dealing with HPAI (biosecurity and vaccination) can be the key to improving the welfare considerations associated with the control of HPAI.

Wild birds, mainly migratory waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of avian influenza viruses and play a significant role in the global spread of HPAI. This presents a complex challenge for animal welfare, as efforts to control the disease in wild populations must balance the need for conservation with the risk of disease transmission to domestic birds. Initiatives like the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), aim to monitor influenza viruses in human and animal populations, including wild birds, to inform more effective and humane disease management strategies.

The ongoing threat of HPAI highlights the need for sustainable and welfare-oriented approaches to poultry farming and wildlife conservation. There is a growing recognition of the importance of improving living conditions for farmed birds, reducing stocking densities, and enhancing biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks. Additionally, conservation efforts to protect wild bird habitats can help mitigate the risk of disease transmission between wild and domestic birds.

The global impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on animal welfare is significant, raising ethical, environmental, and health concerns. Efforts to control the disease must consider the welfare of both domesticated and wild birds, balancing the need for effective disease management with the ethical treatment of animals. As the world continues to grapple with HPAI outbreaks, there is a critical need for international collaboration between lawmakers, veterinarians, farmers, and the public, and investment in research to develop humane and sustainable solutions to this ongoing challenge.

References

• https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/news/eu600-million-support-research-and-innovation-agroecology-and-animal-health-and-welfare-2024-02-28_en
  
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza
  
• https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-influenza-surveillance-and-response-syste
  
• https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/Guidelines-on-Euthanasia-2020.pdf
  
• https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/resources/AVMA-Guidelines-for-the-Depopulation-of-Animals.pdf
  
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/depopulationpolicy.pdf