A highly contagious “super strain” of bird flu is spreading rapidly among farms in the UK, raising concerns about a potential shortage of Christmas turkeys this year. The escalating number of avian flu cases has retailers worried about dwindling supplies, leading to fears of empty shelves in both butchers and supermarkets nationwide. Since October, over 30 outbreaks of the virus have been reported on UK farms, prompting the standard practice of culling entire flocks to prevent further spread of the disease in domestic birds.
Although an official turkey shortage has not been declared, industry insiders are describing this holiday season as particularly challenging. Rachel Dobson, the managing director of Lynx Purchasing, highlighted the impact of avian flu on the supply chain, noting shortages from key turkey-producing regions in Europe and South America. Due to uncertainties in pricing and availability, some suppliers are hesitant to commit to fulfilling orders, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced turkey quantities for hospitality operators.
Experts have emphasized the formidable nature of the virus, describing it as highly infectious and well-suited to birds, indicating a tough period ahead for farmers during the festive season. Professor Ian Brown, head of avian virology at the Pirbright Institute, explained the virus’s adaptability and infectiousness, labeling it as a “super strain” due to its robust characteristics.
The warning signs have already manifested, as Sainsbury’s had to adjust its turkey crown offerings due to a “supplier issue.” As a result, the supermarket will not offer its Extra Large British Turkey Crowns that typically serve 12 people this holiday season. Instead, customers will have options for small, medium, and large crowns, accommodating up to 10 individuals.
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