Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th December 2010
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Turkeys from Turkey?
One in five people say that turkeys can fly while one in ten believes the bird originates from Turkey, a new survey reveals.

The poll quizzed 3,000 people about their festive eating habits, how they choose a Christmas bird and how much they know about turkeys in general.

The results revealed that 20 per cent of people believe turkeys can fly with a further 14 per cent not knowing if this is true or not – 66 per cent said they can’t. Ten per cent of people think turkeys originate from Turkey while nearly half have no idea where they come from. Only 11 per cent know that a male turkey is called a stag.

Mike Bailey, a seasonal producer and vice-chairman of the NFU poultry board representing turkeys, said: “It has been fascinating to find out how much our customers know about turkeys. One of the more interesting findings is that public opinion is split on the age-old question of whether turkeys can fly or not and although you are not going to see them flying south for winter, turkeys can actually get off the ground for a short distance.

“I am pleased to add that 67 per cent of British public will tuck into turkey as their main meal on Christmas Day, with 58 per cent saying they will buy fresh. It is also interesting that 39 per cent will buy from a butcher, directly from the farm or a local market. This compares to 52 per cent who intend to buy from a supermarket. The survey revealed what their biggest priorities are when choosing a turkey, 61 per cent of people plump for quality, ahead of price (26 per cent), which means they put quality above the price for this most important meal of the year.”

Some other survey results:
  • People in the North East are least likely to eat turkey this Christmas as their main meal, with those in the North West most likely
  • Londoners are most likely to eat a fresh turkey on the day – people in the West Midlands are more keen on frozen
  • 39 per cent of people only eat turkey at Christmas but 80 per cent of people eat chicken at least once a fortnight
  • Other popular meats served up on Christmas Day include chicken, goose, duck, venison, salmon, ham and gammon

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.