Turkey farmers fear bird flu will destroy business

Turkey farmer Richard Dryden said bird flu can be spread through faeces, skin cells or feathers

A turkey farmer has said the current strain of bird flu could have a "devastating impact" on many farms as they struggle to stay clear of the disease.

Tanza Dryden, from Murton Moor Farm near Seaham, County Durham, has had to keep her 350 free range turkeys indoors as part of a mandatory housing order aimed at reducing spread.

A former government expert in avian virology has warned the current bird flu virus infecting farm flocks across the UK could be the most infectious yet, while Ms Dryden said if her flock was infected it could be the end of her family's business.

"We've been doing it for 25 years and that would be tragic," she said.

The mandatory housing order means anyone who has more than 50 birds must keep them inside to lower the risk of bird flu spreading.

All bird keepers have also been told they must cleanse and disinfect clothing and remain alert to any signs of the disease.

Turkey farmers Tanza and Richard Dryden said an outbroke of bird flu could destroy their business

But farmers say there is no guarantee of staying safe, even if people follow the strict biosecurity measures.

Richard Dryden said it could take as little as a "bit of excrement on a boot" to spread the virus.

"Feathers or a skin cell from a passing bird can be enough to bring on the disease," he said.

"You just hope for the best.''

The UK's chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has urged all bird keepers to comply with the new housing measures and remain alert to any signs of the disease.

So far there has been 26 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza on farms across the UK.

When an outbreak occurs whole flocks have had to be culled.