The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and the USPOULTRY Foundation are seeking research preproposals to evaluate the use of nitrogen-based methods for emergency depopulation of commercial poultry flocks. Whole-house nitrogen gas and nitrogen-infused foam have emerged as potential options during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, foreign animal diseases and other emergency situations. These methods may offer opportunities to reduce labor requirements and live bird handling, enhance safety for farm personnel and emergency responders and improve the efficiency of large-scale emergency response. Additional research is needed to validate their effectiveness and practicality under commercial production conditions.

Through its Board Research Initiative (BRI), USPOULTRY aims to evaluate the efficacy, bird welfare outcomes, operational feasibility and biosecurity implications of whole-house nitrogen gas and nitrogen-infused foam depopulation systems. Research may examine performance across poultry species, ages, flock densities and housing systems; bird welfare indicators; environmental and engineering factors; occupational safety; biosecurity considerations; equipment and labor requirements; and costs and logistics associated with commercial-scale implementation. The goal is to establish science-based best management practices and standardized protocols that can support effective emergency depopulation and disease response.

Researchers from colleges, universities and research institutions are invited to submit preproposals by Nov. 2. To view more information about this topic and how to submit preproposals, visit the USPOULTRY BRI webpage.