(Center Square) – Egg prices rose dramatically in April, partly due to the effects of bird flu. Industry sources do not expect prices to fall soon.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Data Shows that approximately 24.8 million laying hens have been affected by the flu since February. Influenza usually requires the destruction of birds.
According to United Egg Producers, the country has 232 million laying hens, which means more than 10% of the flu.
Data from Urner Barry, a market analysis company specializing in lean meat, chicken, egg and seafood data, Wholesale cost of dozens of eggs It increased by 208% from 52 cents in April last year to $ 2.29 last week. When the COVID-19 pandemic delayed production in 2020, wholesale prices peaked at $ 1.95 in March and returned to less than 50 cents within a few weeks.
USDA reported the first confirmation of bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)) in February. USDA reported that the virus is currently in 29 states, affecting 33.1 million birds in 157 commercial herds and 82 backyard herds. Over the last two weeks, about 25% of infections have occurred in four commercial egg producers.
Although consumers are not at risk of being infected with the virus by consuming poultry and eggs, many have found that eggs are expensive and there is a shortage of chicken and turkey.
“In the two weeks leading up to Easter, egg costs have increased by 88%,” said Paul Simon, a spokesman for Schnucks, a grocery chore stain with 69 stores in Missouri. “Before Easter, the combination of normal inflationary pressures and rising costs of chicken feed was already raising costs. After that, the cost was significantly higher, coupled with bird flu and rising demand leading up to Easter. It has risen. After Easter demand, costs were kept to a minimum, but still high, partly due to the effects of bird flu. “
Egg producers in nine states, Delaware, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin, have reported HPAI infections. Nine herds in seven counties in Missouri reported infection, but did not include egg producers.
“So far, our major producers have not been affected by the disease, but everyone is holding their breath,” said Joe Manhart of the Missouri Egg Council. “It’s a nightmare because you have to kill the birds right away to save the rest of the flock in the other houses around you.”
Mobile waterfowl traveling on North American flyways can mix with virus-infected European and Asian birds. Waterfowl can become infected and show no signs of illness. The disease can spread to poultry through contact with waterfowl such as water, food sources and feces. The virus can spread to poultry growers of all sizes through contaminated equipment and clothing.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture urges producers to pay attention to biosecurity measures, such as ensuring that free-range poultry does not mix with wild waterfowl.
“It’s important for consumers to understand that eggs and other poultry products are safe to eat,” said Christie Miller, Communications Director, Missouri Agricultural Department. “As always, we handle these items properly, cook them to the right temperature, and continue to support poultry producers by purchasing eggs and other poultry protein products.”