Bird flu outbreak hits Britain's turkey farms as tens of thousands are culled and rest ordered to be kept indoors days before Christmas
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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.
![[As a result, tens of thousands of Turkeys have been culled in a bid to control the outbreak]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/15/93382345-0-image-m-3_1734793826636.jpg)
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.
![[Culling operation after bird flu was found at a duck farm in Southburgh near Hingham, Norfolk]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/15/93382347-0-image-a-4_1734793850590.jpg)
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. 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.
Culling operation after bird flu was found at a duck farm in Southburgh near Hingham, Norfolk. 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.
