Poultry farmers are remaining vigilant after outbreak of deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza in areas of Norfolk and Suffolk in England.  The cull of 5,000 free-range turkeys, 1,000 ducks and 500 geese took place yesterday, and a 1.9 mile restricted zone has been established around the affected farms.  Poultry sales for holiday celebrations are expected to suffer, due to public concern over the disease.

British poultry market statistics: 

860,000,000 -  Number of broilers produced for meat in Britain each year

1,300,000 Tons of chicken meat produced 

17,000,000 Turkeys raised for meat

19,000,000  Ducks raised for meat

100,000 Geese raised for the Christmas market

23kg (50.6 lb.) The amount of chicken meat eaten by the average Briton each year, plus 3kg (6.6 lb.) of other poultry, such as turkey, duck and goose

£3.5bn ($7,300,000,000 US) The total value of poultry retail, of which fresh chicken accounts for £2.1bn ($4,370,000,000 US)

£375m ($781,000,000 US) What the Christmas turkey market is worth

20 weeks The lifespan of a free-range turkey – factory-farmed birds are processed beginning at  12 weeks

Source for poultry data: Times database; Currency conversion rate, as of 11/14/07, XE.com

-zties