Pastured vs. Industrial Poultry: A Bird Flu Showdown

Despite sophisticated biosecurity measures, industrial poultry farms continue to struggle with avian flu outbreaks. The virus can enter even high-tech barns through ventilation systems. Smaller, pasture-raised farms, while seemingly at higher risk due to increased contact with wild birds, report fewer outbreaks. This is attributed to healthier birds with stronger immune systems due to better diets and outdoor access. Experts debate the feasibility of pasture-raised poultry meeting market demands and whether the increased contact with wild birds outweighs the health benefits.