Guidelines

Animal euthanasia is implemented when the hen carries an illness or disease that would be hazardous to the people that consume them. When euthanasia of a chick or grown bird is necessary, it is conducted in a humane manner and egg farmers are required to treat the birds with respect.

The best management practices are enforced in order to ensure humane care to the hens. All egg farmers and producers must have a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for emergency depopulation for use in the event of a disease outbreak or other disaster requiring immediate calling of the entire flock.

The SOP is always updated as new and better methods are approved and in adherence to the humane principles established by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

All workers have to be trained on how to perform animal euthanasia. Workers are also evaluated on their ability to carry out the methods according to guidelines set by the UEP Scientific Advisory Committee.