Chickens in Malaysia are producing fewer eggs. Is haze a leading cause?

Livestock farmers in Malaysia and Indonesia are facing challenges due to the current haze crisis, which exacerbates existing heat-related problems. While it's difficult to isolate the specific impact of haze smoke from other factors like heat, water shortages, feed issues, and disease, farmers and industry groups report that the combined stress is negatively affecting animal health, productivity, and finances. In Selama, Perak, poultry keeper Zaiful Zakaria took measures to mitigate heat stress for his chickens by installing ventilation fans and a water-misting system in his sheds. These efforts were initiated before the haze significantly impacted Malaysia in August, aiming to improve the well-being of his ornamental and heritage-breed chickens.