The fright before Christmas: Bird flu, turkeys, and the 'nerve-wracking' weeks ahead

Bird flu outbreaks in Carlow and Meath — the first recorded in poultry in the Republic since November 2022 — have turkey producers fearfully counting down the days to the holiday season

Europe has been hit by a surge in bird flu outbreaks. Bird flu often spreads through migrating birds, and it peaks in winter. Picture: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie

It doesn't take tinsel, a fall of snow, or a John Lewis TV ad to get people thinking about Christmas.

Once Halloween passes, the year begins to slalom towards parties, presents, and turkey with all the trimmings.