theguardian.com
Duck Culling Controversy in Victoria
Controversial culling of ducks in Victoria, Australia, using firefighting foam sparks debate over animal welfare.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsGovernment PolicyBird FluAnimal CrueltyBiosecurityCulling Methods
Victorian GovernmentAgriculture VictoriaAustralian Veterinary Association (Ava)RspcaDepartment Of EnergyEnvironment And Climate Action
Georgie PurcellRos SpenceMelanie LatterGraeme Cooke
- What is the overall cost and status of Victoria's bird flu response?
- Over 1.3 million chickens and ducks have been culled in Victoria's response to the bird flu outbreak, costing the government $7.83 million in emergency contracts. While the outbreak appears to be nearing its conclusion, concerns remain about humane culling methods and future preparedness.
- What alternative culling methods are suggested, and which countries utilize them?
- The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) prefers alternative culling methods and notes that the foam either suffocates or drowns birds. They suggest inert gases as a more humane alternative, currently used in Europe and Canada.
- What are the main concerns regarding the use of firefighting foam for culling ducks?
- The firefighting foam used, Phos-Chek, is considered PFAS-free and designed for rapid depopulation. However, concerns exist about the method's potential to cause prolonged suffering in ducks due to their diving reflex.
- How did Georgie Purcell respond to the culling method, and what were her primary concerns?
- Georgie Purcell, an Animal Justice party MP, strongly condemned the method as barbaric, citing concerns about ducks' prolonged suffering from heatstroke or organ failure due to their prolonged breath-holding in the foam.
- What method was used to cull approximately 30,000 ducks in Victoria, Australia, and what was the reason?
- Approximately 30,000 farmed ducks were killed in Victoria, Australia, using firefighting foam to control a bird flu outbreak. This method, while approved for biosecurity emergencies, has drawn criticism for its potential cruelty.