Cork farmer warns of Christmas turkey shortage if more cases of bird flu occur

It comes as the IFA's Sarah Hanley acknowledged that some turkey farmers may process their flock early for Christmas, which will mean turkeys this year will be smaller

Robert Fitzsimmons with his free-range turkeys at the East Ferry Farm in East Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

A Cork turkey farmer has warned that if more cases of bird flu occur, there could be a shortage of turkeys for Christmas.

It comes as a compulsory housing order for all poultry and captive birds will come into effect on Monday, November 10, in an effort to protect Irish flocks and poultry from avian influenza.