Several major UK supermarkets have turned to Europe for turkeys this Christmas due to avian flu reducing UK production. Asda, Lidl, and Morrisons are selling some branded turkeys from mainland Europe to ensure there are enough birds for festive meals. Morrisons stocks Bernard Matthews turkeys from Poland, Asda offers Cherrywood turkey crowns from Europe, and Lidl has a small share of Gressingham turkeys sourced from the EU. Industry insiders say this move is "unprecedented" but necessary to "protect availability." These imported turkeys are less than 10% of total turkey sales, as the retailers' own-label fresh and frozen turkeys remain entirely British. Aldi is also believed to be importing turkeys, though the company did not comment. Marks & Spencer, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco confirmed all their turkeys come from Britain or Ireland. The British Poultry Council said topping up stocks with imports is common but "only in exceptional circumstances" would they rely on non-UK birds. Avian flu cases in the UK are much higher than last year, with 70 confirmed infections so far this season compared to 81 cases in the entire previous year. New rules force birdkeepers in England and Wales to keep flocks indoors to contain the virus. More than 5% of the UK’s Christmas poultry flock, about 300,000 birds, have been culled. Smaller retailers may face bigger challenges getting turkeys or might increase prices. Will Raw of the National Farmers’ Union said poultry farmers are not seeing widespread shortages and praised strict measures taken early this year. He urged shoppers to "always look out for British or the union jack," assuring that UK birds meet the highest welfare standards.