The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said they are not currently expecting overall egg supplies to be affected.

Mandatory biosecurity measures have come into force across all of England and Scotland after an increased number of bird flu cases in wild and captive birds. The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer from Scotland and the Chief Veterinary Officer from England have both declared that a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force from midday to decrease any risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds.

All bird keepers, from people with pet birds to farmers with huge flocks, are now required to follow strict hygiene measures imposed by the government - and in some counties, birds must be kept indoors.

England and Scotland have been placed under mandatory prevention zones amid an alarming surge in cases of bird flu.