Thousands of turkeys killed after bird flu outbreak days before Christmas – including some destined for dinner

THOUSANDS of turkeys have been culled after bird flu hit farms days before Christmas.

The virus has been found on 11 UK sites since the start of November — including five turkey farms in Norfolk.

Most of the festive season’s big birds had already been killed and prepared, though it is thought some affected were destined for dinner.

The Environment Department upgraded the risk of bird flu in animals to “very high” earlier this month.

No people have tested positive for the bug, and the risk to humans was judged to be very low.

It is believed that the disease spread quickly due to stormy weather, as water damage helps transmission by wildlife.

Farmers in affected areas will have to follow rules including cleansing and disinfecting their clothing, equipment and vehicles, carrying out vermin control, preventing poultry from accessing ponds, and ensuring birds are kept fenced in.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Bird keepers must remain alert and report suspected disease.”

But officials are said to now be considering putting a mandatory housing order in place, meaning free-range birds would also need to be kept indoors.

Aled Edwards, Head of England Field Delivery, added: “Scientists, vets and field teams from the Animal and Plant Health Agency are working hard to help tackle the spread of avian influenza and ensure bird keepers are kept up to date and supported.”

Eight of the infected sites are in Norfolk.

They include five turkey farms, a duck farm, a chicken farm, and a non-commercial site which is home to emus and aviary birds.

There are also two cases in Yorkshire, and one at a small holding near St Ives in Cornwall.

NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead urged bird keepers to “remain vigilant” and report any signs of disease at the earliest opportunity.

He told The Telegraph: “Maintaining stringent biosecurity is vital, whether you are a commercial poultry producer or someone who keeps a small number of hens in the garden.”