Bird Flu Forces Tiers to Go Synthetic

European customs officials are banning the import of untreated feathers in the effort to curb the spread of the quick-spreading bird flu epidemic, leaving fly tiers around the world without natural fibers. “‘We have experienced problems with a few lines of products — in particular our turkey plumes. A shipment of turkey plumes was burnt at UK customs, as the vet could not inspect it in time,’ said Debbie Coleman of ishop, a UK-based online retailer that sells flies and fly tying equipment.” From Reuters.