TURKEYS COULD BE STUFFED BY CHRISTMAS 2004 - GEORGE
This year's Christmas turkey should be savoured at dinner tables across
Britain, because an untreatable and potentially devastating turkey liver
disease has recently hit UK flocks, according to the Liberal Democrats.
The disease, known as blackhead, kills infected turkeys within a week and
is currently untreatable. In March this year the only official treatment
- the drug Emtryl used in turkey feed - was withdrawn from the market by
the EU.
A BBC report in October warned that the disease had already affected
turkeys in Germany, France and the Netherlands, and that British turkey
farmers feared it could hit Britain.
In an answer to Andrew George MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Food and Rural
Affairs Secretary, DEFRA has admitted that blackhead has now started
affecting British turkey flocks.
Andrew George said:
"Families sitting down to Christmas dinner this year should savour every
mouthful. The discovery of blackhead in British flocks could mean the end
of our traditional turkey and stuffing.
"The lack of an authorised medication will have a devastating effect on
turkey breeders across the UK. This disease has already hit flocks in
Germany, France and Holland and could now ruin many long-suffering British
farmers.
"If we are to continue to enjoy our traditional Christmas turkeys in 2004
then DEFRA must make a New Year's resolution to play their part in
identifying new effective treatments and helping farmers to control the
spread of the disease."
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