The UK's festive season is facing a significant challenge as poultry producers battle a severe outbreak of bird flu, putting supplies of traditional Christmas birds under considerable pressure.
Industry Under Pressure
Poultry industry insiders report that this year's avian influenza season is proving much worse than the previous year, creating tight supplies across turkeys, chickens, and ducks ahead of the crucial Christmas period. Approximately 5% of the UK's seasonal poultry flock, representing around 300,000 birds, has already been culled to control the disease's spread.
Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, confirmed the severity of the situation, stating: "We are looking at increasing numbers of cases and it is a bad season, much worse than last year." He noted that certain producers have been particularly badly affected by the outbreak.
Vulnerability of Free-Range and Organic Birds
The supply crunch is expected to hit hardest in the free-range and organic sectors, where birds are considered most vulnerable to infection due to their outdoor access. Rob Cumine, managing director of Capestone Organic Poultry in west Wales, experienced this firsthand when an outbreak led to the culling of 48,000 turkeys at one of their farms.
"We only have free-range and organic products, nothing is housed, so we are particularly vulnerable," Cumine explained, highlighting the emotional impact on farming teams who are deeply invested in their birds' welfare.
Consumers should also expect fewer heavier birds available this Christmas, as some producers have begun processing birds earlier than usual to avoid potential infection risks later in the season.
Government Response and Retail Impact
In response to the escalating crisis, bird keepers in England were ordered to keep flocks of more than 50 birds indoors from 6th November, with Wales implementing similar measures from 13th November. An avian influenza prevention zone remains in force across Great Britain, requiring strict biosecurity measures.
Despite these challenges, major supermarkets are expected to maintain adequate stock levels through strong supplier agreements and willingness to absorb higher costs. However, smaller retailers will likely struggle to source birds and may need to pass increased costs to consumers through higher prices.
Sascha van Helvoort, head of outbreak delivery at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, acknowledged the ongoing battle: "We have successfully delivered disease outbreak response almost continuously over recent years, including in 2023, which was the largest outbreak of avian influenza this country has ever experienced."
With about 50 cases confirmed since the season began in October, producers and authorities remain vigilant during what Griffiths describes as the "crucial couple of weeks" for Christmas bird processing.
