Egg prices are through the roof, and it’s all because of bird flu. The outbreak has wiped out millions of chickens, which means fewer eggs and higher prices. It’s crazy how fragile the system is – one outbreak, and suddenly eggs are expensive. Let’s break it down.
The Outbreak Has Caused Major Losses
Over 20 million egg-laying chickens have been lost, and that’s made a huge impact on the supply. The USDA said, “The disease has impacted all major production systems.” It doesn’t matter how the chickens were raised—whether cage-free or organic—all of them were affected.
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Wild Birds Spread the Virus
It turns out wild birds are carrying the virus without even getting sick. They’ve played a big role in spreading it around. With the cold weather this winter, it’s been even worse for the agricultural industry in the U.S.
Culling Flocks Worsens the Shortage
Once bird flu hits a farm, all the birds, even the healthy ones, have to be killed to stop the spread. This mass culling has made the egg shortage even worse. Small farms, without the same resources, are struggling even more.
Egg Prices Are Hitting Families Hard
Egg prices have skyrocketed, and it’s hitting low-income households the hardest. Prices went up just as people needed eggs for baking and family meals. The USDA says it’ll take months for prices to go back down.
Farmers Are Struggling
Farmers are facing not just financial loss, but emotional strain. Losing everything overnight is devastating. The government has set aside $1.25 billion to help, but many farmers are still struggling.
Health Concerns Are Growing
While bird flu is mostly a problem for birds, humans aren’t entirely safe. There have been 66 reported human cases since 2022, mostly among farm workers. The real concern is if the virus mutates and starts spreading between people.
Tech and Better Vaccines Could Help
AI and machine learning are being used to track the virus and predict where it might spread next. Scientists are also working on better vaccines, but there are trade issues to consider.
Prevention Is Key
The best way to stop bird flu is by preventing it in the first place. Farms are improving biosecurity measures to stop the spread, and strict biosecurity has shown fewer outbreaks.
Global Cooperation Is Needed
Bird flu doesn’t care about borders. Countries need to work together to prevent future outbreaks. Without better prevention, food prices will keep going up, and this issue will continue.
