Turkey farms have been hit by an outbreak of bird flu as tens of thousands of birds have been culled and ordered to be kept indoors just before Christmas.
Avian influenza has reportedly been found in 11 sites across Britain since November.
As a result, tens of thousands of Turkeys have been culled in a bid to control the outbreak, The Telegraph understands.
This is the first outbreak of bird flu in captive animals since February and no humans have yet been infected with the risk of spread to people remaining very low.
Eight of the infected sites are in Norfolk, and these include five turkey farms, one duck farm, one chicken farm and a non-commercial site home to emus and aviary birds.
It is understood officials are considering if a mandatory housing order will be needed to stop the spread of the virus which has a 100 per recent fatality rate to birds.
There are two known cases in Yorkshire and a small holding near St Ives in Cornwall.
It is thought the birds at the 11 sites were humanely culled and the owners were compensated.
It is believed the virus made its way into the captive birds after the stormy weather, which increase the risk of transmition between wild to captive animals.
It is believed more cases will arise, especially since the stormy weather brought about by Storm Darragh.
There is no evidence in the genetics that the virus has become more effective at infecting humans and it is said to be ‘still very much a poultry virus’.
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) this week upgraded the risk of bird flu in wild birds to very high but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) still considers the risk bird flu poses to human health to be very low. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says the threat to food safety is also very low.
Most Christmas turkeys are likely to have already been killed and prepared for the dinner table next week but some of the affected animals may have been destined for a Christmas dinner.
NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead told the Telegraph: ‘In light of the recent cases of avian influenza being confirmed and the new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) being implemented, I urge all poultry keepers, regardless of their size or location, to remain vigilant and report any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.
‘Maintaining stringent biosecurity is vital, whether you are a commercial poultry producer or someone who keeps a small number of hens in the garden.
‘While the AIPZ now brings in mandatory biosecurity measures, we urge Defra to keep the need for any additional measures under review to ensure poultry farmers can continue to protect the health and welfare of their flocks.’
