Bird Flu Continues to Cause Egg Shortages, High Prices
Widespread animal diseases are nothing new. They’ve been happening for centuries around the world.
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy is also known as Mad Cow disease. It killed hundreds of thousands of cattle in the 1980s.
Avian influenza, also known as Bird Flu, was first identified in the 1800s. Numerous outbreaks have occurred since then.
These and many other animal diseases have become common. And when they spread, they can cause severe disruptions to the food supply chain.
8.2% Increase in Egg Prices Since November
The current spread of Bird Flu is a prime example. You’ve probably noticed its effects at your grocery store. Rationing and empty shelves are the result.
Eggs are in short supply in many areas. And when they are available, prices have gone through the roof.
There has been an 8.2% increase in egg prices since November. That’s according to the Food Marketing Institute. During the third quarter of 2024, egg prices averaged $3.17 per dozen. They rose to $3.95 per dozen in the fourth quarter.
U.S. agricultural officials say the shortage will last until at least summer. And very possibly well beyond. Shortages always mean higher prices.
Millions of Infected Birds Destroyed
In just the past two months, more than 6.5 million egg-laying hens have been destroyed due to Bird Flu. Nearly 40% of those losses have come in California.
The risk to humans’ health has remained low. But the virus is spreading among wild birds. And other animal species are also at risk. Including cows.
A USDA spokesperson put a positive spin on the situation. “It is expected that egg production will rebound,” he said. “Particularly in the second half of the year, as flocks are rebuilt.”
Even if that does occur, we’ve got a ways to go until more eggs start showing up in stores. And prices come down to a reasonable level.
Government Is Battling the Spread
How is the government dealing with the situation? Mainly by working with dairy farmers and ranchers on biosecurity measures.
This includes quarantining infected farms. As well as destroying affected flocks. And stopping the movement of poultry and related products from infected areas.
Much like many humans dealing with Covid-19, birds are undergoing rapid testing. And receiving vaccinations.
Many farms and ranches have not experienced Bird Flu. But they are also being monitored carefully.
Bird Flu Outbreaks in Nearly Every State
While the Bird Flu problem is worse in California than anywhere else, it’s a nationwide issue. The Wildlife Management Institute made this statement. “Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been detected in U.S. wild aquatic birds.
“(As well as in) commercial poultry and backyard or hobbyist flocks. The viruses have been identified in 1,198 outbreaks in 48 states since 2022.”
Sam Scarpino is a director of life sciences at Northeastern University. Here’s what he told Fox News Digital.
Sam Scarpino, Director of Life Sciences, Northeastern University.
‘Skyrocketing Egg Prices’
More than 111 million birds in the U.S. have been affected by Bird Flu. That’s according to the CDC.
The result has been “skyrocketing egg prices” and “endless egg recalls.” States particularly hard hit are those that require cage-free hens. Including Oregon, Washington, and California.
Egg production began dwindling in September 2024. And each month since then it has gotten worse.
Bird Flu has also been detected in a batch of raw milk sold in California. Which triggered a recall. It was also detected in a child in that state.
Remember When Eggs Were $2 a Dozen?
Bernt Nelson is an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Here’s what he told NBC News.
“Bird Flu is by far the biggest factor affecting egg prices right now. In the last couple of months alone, we’ve seen about 10 million birds affected by the virus.”
For years, the price for a dozen eggs hovered around $2. In January 2022, it started creeping up.
Inflation might have been a minor culprit in this ongoing rise. But the main cause has been Bird Flu.
What Can We Do About It Now?
So, what can we as consumers do? Cutting back on eggs for consumption is an option. Including their use for cooking and baking. But we love our eggs.
Another is using healthy egg substitutes. Such as:
• Flaxseed gel. 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds combined with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg.
• Aquafaba, also known as chickpea water. Whisk 1/4 cup as a replacement for one egg.
• Arrowroot and kudzu. Combine 2 tablespoons of either powder with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg.
• Fruit and bean puree. 1/4 cup of applesauce, bananas soaked with dried cranberries, or black beans to replace 1 egg.
But if you prefer something with a long shelf life? Whole egg powder loaded with protein and vitamins is your best option.
Nobody wants to wait until the second half of 2025 – or longer – to enjoy affordable eggs. Fortunately, you don’t have to.
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