Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom are facing a crisis following the outbreak of bird flu, which has led to reduced supplies of poultry, especially turkeys and ducks, during the fast-approaching holiday season.
According to The Independent, 50 cases of two bird flu strains have been confirmed since the beginning of October, and industry officials expect shortages in poultry supplies, particularly organic and free-range birds, which are more vulnerable to infection.
Outbreaks of bird flu have already been detected on several turkey farms. Although the current outbreak is not as severe as the 2022–2023 bird flu wave, it is causing greater concern compared to the 2024–2025 season.
Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, stated that some producers have already been affected, saying: “We’re seeing increasing case numbers. It’s a bad season, much worse than last year.”
Rachel Dobson, Managing Director of Lynx Purchasing, which supplies food to restaurants, pubs, and hotels, said the sector is facing an unusually difficult Christmas season.
She added that bird flu is causing shortages in supplies from Europe and South America, which normally cover a significant portion of the UK’s seasonal demand for turkeys. Some suppliers have been hesitant to commit to turkey prices this year, or even to guarantee supply at all, and she warned of a definite rise in turkey prices this year.
The UK produces around eight million turkeys annually, and poultry for the Christmas market has already been slaughtered in recent weeks, except for birds sold fresh and whole.
Preventive measures against bird flu were introduced across England between November 6 and 13, requiring farmers by law to follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules, in addition to mandatory housing measures. Anyone keeping more than 50 birds must keep them indoors.
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