When highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strikes a poultry operation, responding quickly and having the right resources available are critical to controlling the spread of disease. New research funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation has produced a practical tool designed to help poultry producers and animal health officials better prepare for these emergency situations by quickly estimating the resources needed for flock depopulation. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. The research is made possible in part through proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

Project #F-115: Poultry House Mass Depopulation Calculator  

(Dr. Sanjay Shah, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.)

Dr. Sanjay Shah and research colleagues developed a new Excel-based mass depopulation calculator to help poultry producers and animal health officials quickly estimate the resources needed during HPAI outbreaks. The tool calculates requirements for propane, propane plus steam, carbon dioxide and nitrogen based on factors such as bird type, number and weight of birds, housing system, poultry house characteristics and outside temperature.

Once validated, the calculator could strengthen emergency preparedness and response by giving USDA personnel, state animal health officials and poultry industry personnel a practical, user-friendly way to estimate resource needs and plan accordingly. The tool could also be used as an educational resource to help students and industry personnel better understand poultry house energy efficiency and heat transfer.

More information regarding the tool can be found here. Those interested obtaining the calculator can contact Dr. Denise Heard, vice president of research programs at USPOULTRY. Information on other Association research may also be obtained by visiting the USPOULTRY website.