New calculator helps poultry industry rapidly estimate HPAI depopulation resources

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains an ongoing challenge for the US poultry industry, with recurring outbreaks that result in the loss of millions of birds and require rapid depopulation. Affected facilities may need to be depopulated within 24 to 48 hours of a presumptive-positive classification, making it critical to be able to respond quickly and have the right resources to control the spread of disease.  

Producers and animal health officials need reliable tools to quickly estimate the resources required for different depopulation methods.

A research team led by Sanjay Shah, PhD, professor in the department of biological and agricultural engineering at North Carolina State University, developed a new Excel-based mass-depopulation calculator to help poultry producers and animal health officials rapidly estimate the resources needed during HPAI outbreaks.

“Available methods include nitrogen and carbon dioxide whole-house gassing, foaming and ventilation shutdown with heat, but the availability and suitability of each method can vary based on farm conditions, housing systems and environmental factors,” Shah said.

The calculator estimates the amount of propane, propane plus steam, carbon dioxide or nitrogen needed to depopulate different types of poultry. It considers bird type, number and weight of birds, housing system, house dimensions, condition and outside temperature.

The tool is designed to provide the USDA, state animal health officials and poultry industry personnel with a practical, accessible resource for rapidly estimating depopulation requirements during disease emergencies.

“The calculator is more comprehensive than existing tools because it accommodates multiple poultry types, housing systems and depopulation methods,” Shah explained.

Validation using published data is still needed to confirm its accuracy and reliability. Once validated, the tool could enhance preparedness and response during HPAI outbreaks by helping officials and producers quickly determine the resources needed for emergency depopulation.

The calculator could also be adapted as an educational tool to demonstrate poultry-house energy efficiency, heat transfer and the effects of building characteristics on energy use.

More information regarding the tool can be found here. If you are interested in obtaining the calculator, please contact Dr. Denise Heard, vice president of research programs at USPOULTRY.

The research was funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation. Click here to view the industry summary.

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