The bird flu outbreak that swept through Europe at the end of last year has been labeled devastating by farmers as millions of birds were slaughtered to contain its spread. The virus has left behind a trail of destruction, particularly in the UK where it’s estimated that over a million birds were culled. Farmers have expressed their grief over the losses, including financial struggles that have ensued due to the outbreak. In this article, we explore the impact of the bird flu outbreak and how it has affected farmers in the UK.
Last year’s bird flu outbreak has had a long-lasting impact on a family-run poultry business near Melton Mowbray. The Botterill family has been farming for over 70 years and is well-known locally for leading geese around the village. Since November, free-range poultry has been subject to a national housing order to try to curb the spread of the virus. Last year, about 16,000 birds were culled at the Leicestershire farm after a vet confirmed they had avian influenza. Richard Botterill says it will take 18 months to restart the family business.
The majority of the geese, turkeys, ducks and chickens at the farm had been ordered by local people and businesses for Christmas. Mr Botterill said that as a business, losing one Christmas production is bad, but losing them for two years would be a major blow, and it might mean they could disappear forever. Customers have been “brilliant,” he said, but he would have to start from scratch.
Mr Botterill said he suspected the family’s birds caught the virus from visiting wild birds. Cleaning and making repairs to the family-run farm since the outbreak, he said, it was devastating to have to lose birds because they had a problem. He confesses that he is not saying they’re like pets, because they’re not, but it’s that sort of feeling.
Although he is not yet able to restock his flock, he is rearing birds on a neighbouring farm and hopes to have them grazing again on his fields by the end of November. Losing income from the farm for 18 months is devastating for the family, but they remain hopeful of a return to business as usual as soon as possible.
In conclusion, the bird flu outbreak has had a devastating impact on farmers around the world. It has caused the loss of livelihoods and created an uncertain future for those who rely on the poultry industry for their income. As new strains of the virus emerge, it is important for governments, farmers and scientists to work together to prevent further outbreaks and find sustainable solutions for the poultry industry. Let us hope that lessons will be learned from this experience and that measures are put in place to prevent similar situations in the future.
