Victorian Government Culled 30,000 Ducks Using Firefighting Foam Amid Bird Flu Outbreak, Sparking Outrage

The Victorian government’s decision to use firefighting foam to cull approximately 30,000 farmed ducks in response to a bird flu outbreak has sparked significant criticism, The Guardian reported yesterday.

Animal welfare advocates, including Animal Justice party MP Georgie Purcell, have condemned the method as “barbaric.” Agriculture Minister Ros Spence defended the use of Phos-Chek foam, stating it was approved for biosecurity emergencies and intended to provide a rapid and humane depopulation method. However, experts from the Australian Veterinary Association raised concerns about the stress and suffering caused to the birds during the process.

Dr. Melanie Latter of the AVA highlighted that the foam could suffocate or drown the ducks, prolonging their suffering due to their diving reflex, which allows them to hold their breath. This has led to calls for the government to explore more humane culling methods, such as the use of inert gases, which are considered more humane. The RSPCA also emphasized the need for research into humane methods and preventive measures like vaccination.

The Victorian government has culled over 1.3 million chickens and ducks as part of its response to the outbreak, raising significant ethical and environmental concerns regarding the methods used.