British retailers have been asked to continue supporting poultry farmers whose birds have been housed to protect them from bird flu - as the EU 12 week derogation protecting their free-range status nears it end.

As a result of the recent Avian Influenza outbreaks the Government has put in place a prevention zone, which means farmers must keep the birds in doors.

A derogation was put in place to protect the free-range status of the birds, but this is drawing to a close and the housing order may be extended.

NFU president Meurig Raymond has now written to the CEOs of Britain's top ten retailers applauding their efforts for supporting farmers in the weeks following the Avian Influenza outbreak.

Their work has included engaging with industry leaders to find practical solutions to mitigate the impact of the housing order, through informing customers on their websites and in stores that free-range birds are currently being kept indoors by farmers to meet government advice.

In his letter, Mr Raymond asked for the support to continue, amid concerns that the housing order could be extended without a derogation in place thus ending the birds free-range status.

Mr Raymond said: "To date we have welcomed the support and understanding of the country's major retailers with this situation.

"However, these are unprecedented times and I remain very concerned about the future of the free range poultry sector for both meat and egg products should the housing order remain in place without a derogation that enables producers to market those eggs and meat to market as free-range.

"Downgrading these products would have huge impact on margins in the sector."