The spread of avian flu in the United States has led to a significant increase in egg prices and a reduction in their availability in supermarkets nationwide.
Since 2022, the H5N1 strain of the virus has forced the culling of over 150 million poultry, leaving shelves empty and impacting the poultry industry.
A Crisis in Egg Production
Each time an avian flu outbreak is detected, the affected birds must be culled to prevent the virus from spreading, directly impacting egg production. “This is not a problem with a quick solution, as rebuilding flocks and restoring production takes time,” explained David Ortega, a food economist at Michigan State University.
Impact on Industry and Consumers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported a significant increase in the number of affected birds in recent months: approximately 7 million in November, 18 million in December, and 23 million in January. In the past month alone, 125 infection outbreaks have been confirmed, with 81 affecting commercial farms and 44 affecting private breeders.
The rise in egg prices has forced businesses and restaurants to take measures to mitigate the economic impact. Waffle House, a chain with over 2,000 locations nationwide, has implemented a 50-cent surcharge per egg served, reflecting the increase in production costs.
Beyond the Economic Impact
The crisis is not only affecting the egg market but has also raised health concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since April 2024, 67 cases of human infection have been reported in 10 states, most with mild symptoms, though one death has been reported in Louisiana.
Despite the severity of the outbreak, health authorities assure that the risk of person-to-person transmission remains low. “To stabilize the situation, it is crucial to reduce outbreaks in commercial farms. If we can achieve several months without significant cases, we may see a decrease in egg prices,” Ortega noted.
Meanwhile, consumers continue to face high prices and uncertainty over supply, hoping that the situation will improve in the coming months.
Keep up with more updates on the avian flu with us on Que Onda Magazine.
