US Plans $1 Billion to Combat Bird Flu, Address Rising Egg Prices

The U.S. Agriculture Department predicts that egg prices, currently averaging $4.95 per dozen, could rise by at least 41% this year due to the ongoing impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has resulted in the slaughter of over 166 million birds since 2022. With an additional $1 billion investment announced to enhance biosecurity measures, the USDA aims to mitigate the virus's spread and its financial repercussions on consumers, who faced a collective cost of $1.4 billion last year. However, rising demand for specialty eggs and a shift toward cage-free production have also contributed to the surge in prices, indicating that factors beyond bird flu are at play. Furthermore, while a bird flu vaccine could potentially lower egg prices, concerns about its impact on the export market pose significant challenges. The situation is echoed in Poland, where similar outbreaks are causing egg shortages and rising prices. As the market volatility persists, consumers and restaurants alike are grappling with the economic fallout.