UK poultry producers are facing a severe bird flu season, with cases significantly higher than last year, raising concerns over the availability of Christmas turkeys, chickens, and ducks. Industry insiders report that about 5% of the seasonal flock, roughly 300,000 birds, have already been culled.
The outbreak is particularly impacting organic and free-range birds, which are more vulnerable to infection. Some producers have started processing heavier birds earlier to mitigate risks. Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, described it as a “bad season, much worse than last year.”
Major retailers are expected to maintain stock due to strong supplier agreements and willingness to pay higher prices for advance orders, even at the expense of profit margins. However, smaller retailers may struggle to source birds or may need to raise prices to cover increased costs.
Among affected firms, Gressingham, a duck supplier to Waitrose, experienced an outbreak but did not confirm losses. Capestone Organic Poultry in west Wales culled 48,000 turkeys after an outbreak. Managing director Rob Cumine noted the emotional impact, stating, “You question whether you could have done more.”
Bird keepers in England have been ordered to house flocks of over 50 birds indoors since 6 November, with similar measures in Wales from 13 November. An avian influenza prevention zone is active across Great Britain, requiring strict biosecurity. Despite these efforts, about 50 cases have been confirmed since October, mostly in England.
Griffiths emphasized that the next two weeks are critical for birds destined for Christmas slaughter. The Animal and Plant Health Agency continues to manage outbreaks, with head of outbreak delivery Sascha van Helvoort noting successful responses in recent years, including the largest outbreak in 2023.
