Bird Flu Sparks Massive Spike In Egg Prices Across U.S.

There is an egg crisis.

A major bird flu outbreak has severely impacted U.S. chicken farms, resulting in the deaths of over 20 million egg-laying chickens in the last quarter, the worst toll since the outbreak began in 2022. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this includes both chickens culled to prevent the spread of the virus and those lost to the disease. The ongoing outbreak has caused egg prices to skyrocket across all types of production, from conventional to organic.

To help farmers, the federal government has spent $1.25 billion in compensation for losses caused by the virus. This is part of an effort to encourage farmers to report infections and stop the virus from spreading further. The virus typically spreads during winter when migrating wild birds carry it south. Additionally, the virus has expanded its reach, affecting dairy herds and spreading through contaminated raw milk, which is passed between farms via shared animals, equipment, and clothing.

California has been hit especially hard by the bird flu, prompting the state to declare a state of emergency. Despite the significant toll on poultry populations, only 66 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the U.S., most of which were mild and occurred in individuals who had direct contact with infected birds. However, a recent fatality in Louisiana was tied to the D1.1 strain of the virus, which is circulating among wild birds. Researchers believe this strain has mutated and is less severe in humans compared to other strains.

The USDA plans to stockpile a new vaccine targeting the D1.1 strain, but widespread vaccination is unlikely due to concerns that it could obscure symptoms and affect international poultry exports. In addition to poultry, the virus has spread to pets, with raw pet food made from infected animals linked to the deaths of cats in California and Oregon. The FDA has noted that these infected cats likely consumed raw poultry, unpasteurized milk, or wild birds, all of which may have been contaminated.