Bird flu could cause Christmas turkey shortage, warns Lancs farmer

Paul White, owner of Paul's Turkeys in Laneshaw Bridge, near Colne, and says he is worried about the bird flu outbreak which is impacting farmers across the UK.

The former Pendle councillor, who plays classical music to his birds to aid their welfare, said: “The bird flu outbreak is worrying and we are definitely feeling edgy about it.

“The slightest sneeze or illness and we are panicking.”

Paul says an outbreak at the farm would be “devastating” for them, especially as they are a relatively new farm and this is only their second year rearing turkeys.

He said: “It would be absolutely devastating for us if bird flu were to hit.

“We are essentially just starting out and have only just built up a loyal customer base.

“It reminds me a lot of the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak where the farming industry was wiped out.”

Paul White with business partner Conor Walsh (Image: Paul White)

Pauls and the team have already implemented biosecurity measures to ensure their turkeys can survive four more weeks before they are slaughtered for Christmas.

He said: “It’s a race against time for us.

"These turkeys are set to go to slaughter in four weeks. We are doing everything we can to stay clean and avian flu free for the next few weeks.

“The government have changed the rules and we could slaughter and freeze them now to save the risk.

“But we use a slow growing breed of turkeys so they take double the amount of time to reach maturity compared to supermarket turkeys and they are not quite ready yet.

“We are also passionate about providing fresh turkeys for Christmas. People are paying premium for a premium product and I think they will expect it to be fresh."

From Monday November 7, birdkeepers in England will be legally required to house their poultry indoors in a bid to tackle the spread of bird flu.

Those walking around Paul's the farm must disinfect their shoes and more sheds are being built to give the turkeys more room to roam around indoors.

The 35-year-old said: “We have spent around £2,000 putting up extra sheds for the turkeys because we are really passionate about their welfare.

“We are trying to provide as much space for them outside as they would have had outside.

“They already listen to classical music and are feasting on pumpkins at the moment.”

Paul has warned of a potential turkey shortage, particularly fresh ones, this Christmas.

He said: “Across the industry, I think there will be a shortage of free range turkeys this year.

“Many people are starting to buy their turkeys now. If they wait until closer to Christmas there might not be any.”

The bird flu outbreak and war in Ukraine also mean that your turkey could be more expensive.

Paul said: “The turkeys’ seed is at least a third more expensive now due to the war in Ukraine as most of the world’s grain comes from this country.

“Shortages and price hikes could become a problem as the years go on, even after the bird flu outbreak has ended.

“There are very few poultry farmers entering the market and many older farmers might decide to retire as the current risks and increasing costs aren’t worth it.

“People are going to have to breed more turkeys or we are going to have a reduced national flock.

“This will only get worse as the years go on as some farmers might not want the stress.”

Environment minister Mark Spencer said ministers are confident the UK’s “robust” supply chains and extra biosecurity measures introduced in recent weeks mean the number of turkeys on supermarket shelves this winter will not dwindle due to avian influenza.

There have been dozens of bird flu outbreaks across Lancashire since October 2021. The most recent was confirmed on Monday (November 1) in South Ribble.

All poultry and captive birds on the premises will be humanely culled.

Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.