As avian flu devastates bird populations across the country and egg prices soar to historic highs, we at Animal Outlook see a critical moment to expose the brutal truth about our broken food system — and share hope for a better way forward.
The numbers are staggering: More than 150 million birds have been killed across all 50 states in desperate attempts to contain the spread of avian flu since 2022. Mass killings, often performed through cruel methods like ventilation shutdown or foam suffocation, reveal the industrial egg industry's callous approach to life. Birds are treated not as the sensitive, intelligent beings they are, but as mere units of production.
We've seen the cruelty inflicted on chickens firsthand. From obtaining videos from ventilation shutdown experiments performed on birds by North Carolina State University to our video “The Life of an Egg Laying Hen,” outlining the cruelty chickens face using our undercover investigation footage, we know that cruelty is not just happening during disease outbreaks; it's a daily occurrence in the animal agriculture industry.
Left: Birds were killed by intense heat and suffocation in cruel ventilation shutdown experiments
Right: Chicks are treated like objects shortly after hatching
This crisis lays bare the fundamental flaws of industrial animal agriculture:
Overcrowded facilities that accelerate disease spread
Genetic manipulation that weakens birds' natural immunity
Culling practices that cause immense suffering
But within this crisis lies an opportunity for reform. While egg prices have doubled or tripled in many areas, vegan alternatives remain stable and accessible. These compassionate choices offer everything we need for cooking and baking, without contributing to animal suffering.
The solution is clear: by shifting to vegan alternatives, you can:
Reduce the risk of future zoonotic diseases
Save lives and prevent suffering
Support a more sustainable food system
Ready to make a difference? Here's how you can take action today:
Your choice to explore vegan options isn't just about avoiding high prices — it's about refusing to participate in a system that treats life as disposable. Every vegan meal is a step toward a more resilient, compassionate food system.
Together, we're building a future where food production doesn't lead to mass culling or cause widespread suffering. Thank you for being part of this vital transformation.
For truth and justice,
Ben Williamson
Executive Director
P.S. Help us continue exposing the truth about industrial animal agriculture. Your donation today supports investigations, legal advocacy, and outreach programs that are creating lasting change for animals.
As a non-profit organization, Animal Outlook relies on donations from caring, generous people like you. Every dollar matters. Your support makes a world of difference to farmed animals.
