Partial culling and HPAI control in poultry: insights from Lower Saxony, Germany

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) pose a significant threat to the poultry industry. Enormous numbers of poultry are destroyed annually, not only by the disease itself, but also related to the control measures. One way to reduce these losses could be to apply partial culling methods to holdings where population destruction is mandated. This case series presents three cases from Lower Saxony, Germany, from 2021 or 2023, in which partial culling initiatives were successfully implemented. The cases include a turkey rearing farm with coupled parent stock, a free-range goose pasture for breeding, and a turkey fattening farm. Throughout the individual risk assessment process, the possibility of partial culling was recognized in all three cases. These measures saved approximately 57,000 animals, enabling them to fulfill their original purpose or provide secondary benefits. However, it should be noted that there were also unforeseen consequences during or after the partial culling approach in each case. The successful application in the individual outbreaks demonstrates that partial culling can be a suitable approach in specific situations. However, very high biosecurity standards and other necessary precautions are required, as well as a specific risk assessment focusing specifically on this option.