New Study Reveals Psychological Toll of Large-Scale Animal Depopulation on Veterinarians

A new study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research by AHPC Co- Directors Lori Kogan, PhD, and Rebecca Niemiec, PhD, examines the psychological impact of production-animal depopulation events on veterinarians. Surveying 220 licensed veterinarians, the study found that depopulation can impose a substantial psychological burden and highlights the close connection between animal welfare and veterinarian well-being through a One Welfare perspective.

Key Findings

• Distress differed by depopulation method. Ventilation shutdown (VSD) was the most distressing method, with 61% of veterinarians who had witnessed it rating it as very or extremely distressing. CO₂-based systems and water-based foam were associated with substantially lower distress.
• Psychological impacts were common. Emotional numbness (31%), anger or frustration (26%), anxiety (25%), guilt or shame (25%), and difficulty sleeping (24%) were the most frequently reported responses.
• Support was often lacking. Nearly two-thirds (63%) reported receiving no mental health support related to depopulation events, and 44% felt not at all or only slightly supported by their organizations.
• Respondents supported improved preparedness. Ninety-one percent favored requiring large-scale facilities to maintain documented preparedness plans for more humane depopulation methods, and 74% supported policies requiring mental health support for responders.

The findings suggest that improving depopulation planning requires attention to both animal welfare and responder well-being. Strengthening preparedness, expanding access to humane depopulation methods, and integrating psychological support into response planning may improve outcomes for both animals and the veterinary professionals responsible for their care.

Citation
Kogan, L. R., & Niemiec, R. (2026). Survey reveals psychological distress among
veterinarians involved in large-scale animal depopulation events. American Journal of
Veterinary Research. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.04.0186