More than a million layers are to be culled after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed over the weekend at Griffiths Family Farms’ Oaklands site in Shropshire.
The news was described as “devastating” by Elwyn Griffiths in a letter to customers.
Defra confirmed the birds on the site would be culled and movement restrictions are in place around the site, near Wem.
It is the largest single outbreak of the disease in the UK.
In addition to the cull of birds on site, there are wider implications for the industry, because of the packing centre based at Oaklands, which can currently take no eggs or move product in or out.
Previously packed product and packaging is also placed in quarantine pending further conversations with officials.
The business has said it would increase volume throughput at its Ruabon packing centre that is standalone site. “This will take 48 hours to make the necessary changes in moving colleagues from the Oaklands and diverting all eggs from our farms in Swindon and Devon, along with our contract producers,” wrote Griffiths in his letter to customers and suppliers.
He added that the outbreak may have an impact on the business’ ability to supply customers as supplies will be reduced.