Butchers across Suffolk say turkeys will be available this Christmas - despite the ongoing bird flu crisis.
Consumers had been warned of a large shortage of British free range turkeys this year after it was revealed that half of those in the UK have already been killed as a result of the ongoing epidemic.
"It's been a nightmare," said Jamie Towells of Jamie's Meat Farm - which has sites in Sudbury and Haverhill.
"But we've kept on top of it and we will have plenty of turkeys available for order this year.
"Unfortunately we've had to pay around 20% more than other years. But if we want the product, we have to pay for it."
East Anglia has been at the epicentre of a nationwide outbreak, with a regional prevention zone being declared across Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex on September 27.
A national order followed on November 7.
George Debman of Ipswich-based butchers G Debman said he has not seen a shortage of turkeys, but the epidemic has resulted in him choosing not to sell ducks or geese this year.
He said: "There was an avian flu outbreak in February which forced me to make this difficult decision.
"The rising cases are of course a worry but we'll definitely be selling turkeys and we've already got lots of orders for Christmas.
"All of our birds are fresh and we know exactly where we're getting them from so we're confident in that sense."
Jen Strolenberg of Lavenham Butchers said she had no problems, but added some of her customers had concerns: "There's a lot going around in the news at the moment and I think people are very conscious of it as a result.
"But we don't have any issues and we know exactly where our birds are coming from.
"Supply and demand has also been the same as last year so we're alright."
Many butchers are mitigating the impact of the outbreak by focussing on supply of other meats, such as beef and ham.
Emmett's is a ham and bacon producer in Peasenhall. The shop is preparing for more business this Christmas as customers look to swap the traditional turkey for other alternatives.
"We haven't felt any impact of bird flu due to our focus on other meats," said a spokesman for Emmett's.
"As far as Christmas is concerned, people might be looking for alternative meats this year and they may choose ham and bacon.
"We can't say for sure but we're prepared for this."
Chief executive of the British Poultry Council, Richard Griffiths, told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on Tuesday that around a million turkeys in the UK had been culled or died from bird flu.
Asked what that might mean for prices this Christmas, Mr Griffiths said: "I don’t know. That’s really a question for retailers.
"We don’t know how the gaps within retail are going to be filled at this point."
Mr Griffiths' comments come as research conducted by The Salvation Army found four in five people (80%) in the East of England are worried about being able to afford Christmas dinner this year as a result of the cost of living crisis - higher than any other area in the UK.
In a survey of more than 2000 adults in the region - carried out by Savanta Comres on behalf of the charity - it was also found that:
- 30% would likely skip meals over Christmas if they were landed with an unexpected major expense;
- 8% expect to use items from a food bank for their festive meal;
- 7% cannot afford to give their children a Christmas present this year;
- 9 per cent expect to spend time over Christmas in a building that is free to visit so they can keep warm.
Major Gary Chaundy of The Salvation Army said: "Officers across The East of England report an unprecedented level of need since the cost of living crisis hit, and our food banks have been stretched to the limit.
"Our officers and volunteers will continue to work on the frontline to help the most vulnerable not only survive the next few months but also have a happy and peaceful Christmas."
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