Prices are likely to soar because of the latest bird flu outbreak - which saw 22,000 culled last week in Suffolk - plus a worlwide increase in feed charges.

But even though farmers are taking stringent measures to ensure their turkeys are not infected by wild birds, the cull has already hit consumer belief in the industry.

Now fewer orders may lead to a 20 per cent increase in the price of the traditional festive treat, say poultry experts.