UK Poultry Farmers Battle to Meet Christmas Demand Amid Bird Flu Crisis
The UK poultry industry is facing a severe bird flu crisis ahead of the festive season, with cases of the disease more than double what they were last year. This has led to a significant shortage of Christmas turkeys, chickens, and ducks, putting pressure on suppliers and retailers alike.
Industry insiders are warning that supplies will be tight, particularly for organic and free-range birds, which are more susceptible to infection. Some producers have already started processing heavier birds earlier in the season to avoid the risk of contamination.
The UK has culled around 5% of its Christmas poultry flock so far this season, with about 300,000 birds affected. This is despite an avian influenza outbreak not yet reaching the same severity as last year's, which was the largest on record.
Major retailers have secured strong agreements with suppliers and are willing to pay more for advance orders, even if it means sacrificing profit margins. However, smaller retailers may struggle to source birds or will need to increase prices to cover their higher costs.
Producers like Richard Griffiths of the British Poultry Council are sounding the alarm, saying that this is a "bad season" and cases are increasing rapidly. Free-range producer Capestone Organic Poultry had an outbreak at one farm, resulting in 48,000 turkeys being culled.
The industry's biosecurity measures have been strengthened, with bird keepers ordered to keep flocks of over 50 birds indoors from November 6th. A total of 50 cases have been confirmed since the season began, with most in England.
Farmers are doing their best to manage the situation, but the next two weeks will be crucial as they prepare for Christmas supply demands. With the Animal and Plant Health Agency closely monitoring the outbreak, producers remain hopeful that a resolution can be found soon.
The UK poultry industry is facing a severe bird flu crisis ahead of the festive season, with cases of the disease more than double what they were last year. This has led to a significant shortage of Christmas turkeys, chickens, and ducks, putting pressure on suppliers and retailers alike.
Industry insiders are warning that supplies will be tight, particularly for organic and free-range birds, which are more susceptible to infection. Some producers have already started processing heavier birds earlier in the season to avoid the risk of contamination.
The UK has culled around 5% of its Christmas poultry flock so far this season, with about 300,000 birds affected. This is despite an avian influenza outbreak not yet reaching the same severity as last year's, which was the largest on record.
Major retailers have secured strong agreements with suppliers and are willing to pay more for advance orders, even if it means sacrificing profit margins. However, smaller retailers may struggle to source birds or will need to increase prices to cover their higher costs.
Producers like Richard Griffiths of the British Poultry Council are sounding the alarm, saying that this is a "bad season" and cases are increasing rapidly. Free-range producer Capestone Organic Poultry had an outbreak at one farm, resulting in 48,000 turkeys being culled.
The industry's biosecurity measures have been strengthened, with bird keepers ordered to keep flocks of over 50 birds indoors from November 6th. A total of 50 cases have been confirmed since the season began, with most in England.
Farmers are doing their best to manage the situation, but the next two weeks will be crucial as they prepare for Christmas supply demands. With the Animal and Plant Health Agency closely monitoring the outbreak, producers remain hopeful that a resolution can be found soon.
with bird flu cases surging more than double last year's numbers 
. It's quite alarming to see the industry being forced to cull 5% of its Christmas flock so far, which affects around 300,000 birds 
. The impact on supplies is already being felt, particularly for organic and free-range birds, which are more vulnerable to infection 
.
. However, smaller retailers may struggle to source the necessary birds or need to increase prices to cover their higher costs 
. The industry is taking biosecurity measures seriously, but it's crucial that they're implemented effectively 
.
. I hope that the Animal and Plant Health Agency can monitor the situation closely and find a resolution soon 
. It's essential to support the industry during this challenging time, particularly with smaller retailers who may be disproportionately affected 
.
. I mean, who wants to think about Christmas dinner without knowing if they'll even get their hands on a turkey? It's gonna be a tight squeeze for everyone, especially the smaller retailers. Hope the bigger ones can keep up with the demand and not pass it on to us consumers 
. Anyway, fingers crossed that this all gets sorted out before Christmas and we can all have a decent turkey dinner without worrying about it 
I'm not surprised by this news at all, but I am a bit annoyed that it's happening again. The UK poultry industry needs to step up its game when it comes to biosecurity and disease prevention. It's just common sense 
. 5% of the Christmas flock already culled? That's still way too many birds if you ask me. And I don't think it's fair that some suppliers are getting all the advance orders and can pay more for their birds, while others are stuck with higher prices or no birds at all 
.
I'm not surprised about this bird flu crisis at all. It's just another example of how we're always one step behind in dealing with animal health issues. I mean, what's new is that it's happening again, especially with Christmas demand on the rise 
. People are going to pay more for those turkeys and chickens, but do they really care where their food comes from? Not so much, right? 
and now they're saying cases are doubling and the industry is really struggling...it's only two weeks till Christmas 
can't believe how tight supplies are gonna be for organic free-range birds 
my fam loves their turkey on christmas day and now its like, who's gonna get one this year?! 
but then again, my mom would kill me 
. seriously tho, the whole bird flu thing is so crazy 
anywayz, fingers crossed they can get this under control by christmas 
I know some people might get annoyed when prices go up, but honestly, it's better to pay a bit more for quality and safety rather than risk getting sick from the bird flu 
. hope the biosecurity measures work out 
. And with organic and free-range birds being more susceptible to infection, that just adds to the problem 
I totally feel for those UK poultry farmers right now... it's like they're stuck in a nightmare 
I'm worried about the little guys, smaller retailers, who won't be able to source birds or will have to raise prices. Poor customers are gonna get shafted 
Meanwhile, farmers like Richard Griffiths are sounding the alarm, and I'm all for that... we need to support these guys who work so hard to bring us food 
