In pictures: Fur and feather

In the small town of Clitheroe in Lancashire, the north of England's biggest poultry and caged bird market takes place. (Photos and text by Sean Gallagher)

This huge auction deals in native and ornamental poultry, ducks, game, waterfowl and caged birds.

Like many other markets throughout the country Clitheroe is on the front line of the UK's preparations for the possible onset of bird flu.

Closed down in October 2005 by European Union restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of bird flu, Clitheroe's Fur and Feather market was re-opened in December.

Concerns are still being widely expressed about the preparedness of Britain and other countries who have not yet reported outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 strain.

Many of the people who attend and work at Clitheroe's market are among an estimated 50,000 people in the UK who earn their living from poultry farming.

The economic effects of not preparing enough, on a national and local scale, could be devastating for a small community such as this.

Although not entirely dependent on poultry, the area would be at a loss if an EU or UK government restriction were again imposed on this highly popular and successful market.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Next