Bird flu outbreaks in the US reduce supply of giant turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving gatherings

CHICAGO, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Cooks may have to put away their massive plates to serve turkey this Thanksgiving. Birds weighing 18 to 20 pounds (8.2 to 9.1 kg), enough to feed more than two dozen people, are in short supply this year as an outbreak of avian flu in the United States has destroyed flocks across the country. , just as many Americans plan to. a big gathering for the november holiday. With more people looking to celebrate together in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a growing demand for big thighs and meaty breasts, according to US poultry and food suppliers. Avian flu has wiped out about 8 million turkeys through fatal infections and culls to control outbreaks, representing nearly 4% of the nation's herd, according to US government data. Turkey meat production this year is expected to drop 7% compared to 2021, the government said. “I think it's going to be really, really hard to find a big turkey the week of Thanksgiving,” said Kevin Lindgren, director of ...