Turkey producers urged to protect against bird flu threat

PRODUCERS of free-range turkeys have been urged to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity in the face of the threat of avian influenza.

Thousands of turkeys were culled last year in two major avian flu outbreaks on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, prompting industry leaders to look closely at ways to reduce the risk.

Turkeys are highly susceptible to the H5N1 avian flu virus and, coupled with the increase in free-range turkey production, new best practice guidelines have been drawn up to minimise the risk of infection.

The British Poultry Council, NFU and Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association, all hope turkey producers will follow the guidelines, recommending a copy of the document is displayed prominently on farm.

A spokesman from the BPC warned producers that this was a critical time of the year.

“The 2007 outbreaks in free-range turkey flocks were almost certainly caused by contact with wild ducks and geese. Migratory waterfowl are most active in the four to six weeks from the beginning of October,” he said. “Unfortunately, this period coincides with free-range turkey production for the Christmas market, which is becoming ever more popular.”