A highly contagious strain of bird flu is spreading rapidly across British farms, raising concerns about a potential shortage of Christmas turkeys this year. Retailers are worried that the increasing number of avian flu cases could lead to empty shelves in supermarkets and butcher shops nationwide. The UK has witnessed more than 30 outbreaks of the virus on farms since October.
In the event of confirmed bird flu in a domestic flock, the standard protocol in many countries, including the UK and the US, is to cull the entire flock to prevent further spread of the disease. Though there is no official declaration of a turkey shortage, industry experts are warning of significant challenges ahead for the Christmas season.
Rachel Dobson, the managing director of Lynx Purchasing, highlighted the impact of avian flu on turkey supplies from Europe and South America, which usually cater to the UK market’s seasonal demand. Some suppliers are hesitant to commit to pricing or guarantee sufficient supplies. Hospitality operators are advised to anticipate higher turkey prices and potential delays or reduced quantities.
Experts have described the virus as highly infectious and well-adapted to birds, indicating a strong likelihood of difficulties for farmers during the festive period. Professor Ian Brown from the Pirbright Institute emphasized the virus’s resilience and infectious nature, labeling it as a “super strain.”
Sainsbury’s faced a “supplier issue” leading to the discontinuation of their Extra Large British Turkey Crowns serving 12 people this year. Customers will now only have access to small, medium, and large sizes, serving up to 10 individuals. The current situation underscores the challenges posed by the ongoing bird flu outbreak on the supply chain and availability of holiday staples.