Warning of possible egg shortage as UK farmers struggle with avian flu

Reduced flock sizes and rising costs put pressure on supplies but retailers say they are working to minimise impact

British egg producers are warning of possible shortages, as farmers leave the industry or reduce the size of their flocks in the face of spiralling costs and uncertainty sparked by the spread of bird flu.

A third of farmers surveyed in recent days by the trade body the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) reported they had reduced the number of hens in their flock because egg prices meant they were unable to cover their costs.