Fears of Christmas dinner turkey shortage after bird flu warnings
Tens of thousands of Christmas dinners could be “destroyed” by bird flu outbreaks on farms across the country, a poultry farmer has warned.
Recent cases of bird flu have been confirmed in units in North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Devon and East Sussex; Fears about depleting turkey stocks are also growing.
Andrew Goodman, farmer at Goodman’s Geese in Great Witley, Worcestershire BBC He said the threat of bird flu infection was a “constant concern” ahead of the festive period. He said a single outbreak of the disease could lead to the “wiping out” of 10,000 Christmas lunches.
Describing the impact of the pandemic, he said: “You’re basically done. If we do that all the birds on the farm are slaughtered and then thanks to our free range system you’re not allowed to restock for 12 months.”
“Which means there will be no birds for Christmas next year.”
Bird flu is spread through bird droppings and saliva, as well as contaminated feed and water.
Authorities have extended compulsory housing rules for poultry in the North, Midlands and East of England to the whole of England from Thursday to combat the spread of the disease.
There is currently an Avian Flu Prevention Zone throughout the country, which requires strict biosecurity and hygiene measures.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the rules, which apply to anyone keeping more than 50 birds or selling poultry products, will remain in place until further notice.
Mr Goodman said strict housing and biosecurity measures included additional work and bedding to keep the birds confined, as well as disinfecting vehicles entering the yard.
“I hope we will be okay. We will do our best to prevent this,” he said.
“We are in a pretty good area, there is no large body of water near us, so there is no risk of waterfowl coming to the farm.
“When you go downstairs in the morning to check on the birds, you just think, ‘oh my God.’ You learn to live with it, but it still affects your mind quite a bit.”
