Stunning poultry using electricity followed by a killing method

A single application of an appropriate electric current to the head of poultry causes unconsciousness. This can then be followed by a killing method such as cervical dislocation. The current should be applied to a restrained animal using a device which spans the brain and generates sufficient current to stun. The efficacy of the stun should be confirmed by assessing the bird and ensuring the absence of brainstem reflexes.

The level of current must be sufficient to cause an immediate and effective stun. Recommended levels are 600mA/duck, 400mA/turkey and 400mA for chickens. The electrodes used for this stunning should be cleaned and maintained properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The personnel performing the stunning should have adequate protective equipment, such as rubber boots and gloves to minimise the risk of injury.

Current flow is reduced by poor contact between the electrodes and the head, which can be made worse by dirt on the electrodes or the bird. Poor current flow can result in an ineffective stun and considerable suffering to the bird. Contact resistance must therefore be kept to a minimum. Using a wire brush, powered wire wheel or cleaning solution after use on 20–25 birds will help to maintain the equipment. Pre-wetting birds’ heads (using a wet sponge) can also improve the electrical contact. Current flow can be particularly poor for ducks, geese and turkeys, so the use of concussion stunning equipment is preferable for these species.

Considerations when using electricity followed by a killing method during depopulation due to disease control

Stunning birds using electricity renders the birds insensible instantaneously. From a welfare perspective this is a major advantage of this method. When this non-invasive stunning method is combined with a killing method which also does not require the skin to be broken, e.g. cervical dislocation, the risk of environmental contamination due to body fluids is minimal. This makes it particularly suitable for animals infected with a non-zoonotic disease.

However, when dealing with a zoonotic disease the acts of handling and restraint pose a potential biohazard. Disadvantages also include the need for handling and inversion, which are also likely to cause distress to the bird. This stunning method requires a reliable and sufficient supply of electricity and the electrodes must be positioned with care and attention to guarantee an effective stun. It is also very important to clean the electrodes regularly to maintain minimal resistance. Using a wire brush, powered wire wheel or cleaning solution after use on 20–25 animals will help to maintain the equipment. Between killing operations, the tongs should be stored in a dry environment with the electrodes protected from potential damage.  Due to the high time and labour input, this method is not suitable for use during large scale depopulation but is better suited for use with small numbers of poultry. This stunning method must be immediately followed by a killing method, such as neck dislocation.

Conclusion – species and situations

Using electricity to stun individual birds prior to dispatch is suitable for use with small numbers of adult poultry.

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