Farmers have stated they’re involved the specter of fowl flu is worsening 12 months on 12 months.
Turkeys might be in brief provide this festive season as a number of suppliers have determined to close down manufacturing amid ongoing outbreaks of fowl flu.
The avian illness has blighted flocks in home settings and round Scotland’s shoreline in recent years.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, stated 2022 noticed the worst outbreak of fowl flu throughout Britain ever, with some 3.8 million birds dying in line with UK Government figures.
So far this 12 months, a number of premises throughout Scotland the place outbreaks have been detected have been ordered to implement safety and surveillance zones to forestall additional unfold of the virus.
With Christmas much less then 4 months away, farmers elevating turkeys are having to make tough choices as to whether or not they proceed prepping their birds for the festive season with ongoing outbreaks.
Callum Donaldson, who runs Commore Farm in East Renfrewshire, stated the chance of the virus was too large to boost his flock this 12 months.
“If you lose all of your turkeys, what are you imagined to do?” he stated.
“There were dead seagulls found on a reservoir near us and Environmental Health called me to warn me about it. We’re are just too nervous about the virus to go ahead this year.”
Mr Donaldson stated except for the business danger, the welfare concern is sufficient to put him off.
“It have to be harrowing if flocks get it,” he stated.
“We prefer to preserve our birds exterior. But yearly for the previous few years there’s been a lockdown due to outbreaks and it’s a must to find yourself placing the birds inside.
“They nonetheless have large sheds right here, and polytunnels, however it’s not how we usually do it, they’re usually out and about.”
Perthshire artisan producer, Charlotte Blackler, has additionally determined to pause elevating her flock this 12 months.
Her business, Herb Majesty, usually sells round 200 free-range turkeys, that are raised on the wild natural pastures of Glenalmond, close to Crieff.
She stated the chance of an infection with present instances would imply having to maintain the flock beneath cowl which works in opposition to her farming observe.
“I have been agonising over raising turkeys this year and finally made the decision not to go ahead,” she stated.
“With the prospect of having to keep the birds indoors for their whole lives without access to our herby pastures, fruits and berries, I would not be able to produce the Herb Majesty birds my customers know and love, and that goes against my ethos of naturally raised food.
“Turkeys are very susceptible to flu but I am hopeful that by next year some natural immunity will start to emerge and I hope to be back in 2024.”
The affect of the virus has gone past home turkeys and wild birds.
Isle of Lewis crofter Domhnall Macsween stated his flock of hens have been the latest victims of fowl flu.
Posting concerning the plight of his birds social media he stated: “Eight dead yesterday afternoon, about 20 more since then and more showing symptoms.
“All my poultry will be culled shortly.
“Nine years of egg production coming to an abrupt end.”
