SURGING: Bird Flu & Egg Prices
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “bird flu,” has been a persistent concern in the United States since 2022, affecting over 138.72 million birds across all 50 states. After a notable decline in 2024, the virus has resurged, with 124 new cases reported in over 32 states in the past 30 days—a significant increase compared to the period before November 2024.
Unfortunately, this surge in cases has led to the culling of millions of egg laying hens in efforts to contain the spread. Egg prices are forecasted to increase by 20% in 2025. Egg prices at the end of 2024 were nearly 37% higher than they were in December of 2023. HPAI also affects chickens for consumption and turkeys.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk of HPAI to the general public is low and there have only been 67 cases recorded, the first human death attributed to HPAI occurred on January 6th in Louisiana. This incident underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and preventive measures to protect both poultry populations and public health. On January 17, health officials in Georgia, the nation’s leading state for chicken production, suspended poultry sales after detecting bird flu, for the first time, in flocks designated for commercial sale.
Measures to Protect Public Health:
- Enhanced Biosecurity: This includes limiting access to poultry farms, ensuring proper sanitation, and preventing contact between domestic birds and wild birds.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: The USDA has mandated nationwide testing of raw or unpasteurized milk for bird flu, effective December 16, 2024. This initiative aims to monitor and mitigate the spread of the H5N1 virus, which has been detected in dairy cattle since March 2024.
- Public Reporting: Individuals are encouraged to report sick or dead birds to state or federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or by calling the USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Timely reporting aids in rapid response and containment efforts.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): For those working directly with poultry or involved in culling operations, the CDC recommends the use of appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational initiatives, such as the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” program, provide resources and guidelines to poultry owners and the general public on best practices to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
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