Story perspectives

Bird Flu Crisis Drives Egg Prices to Record Highs

2/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. poultry industry is in crisis due to H5N1 bird flu, resulting in millions of birds culled.
Egg prices have surged, with a dozen now averaging $4.95, and some regions exceeding $10.
Farmers are urging immediate vaccination efforts to stabilize supply and control prices.
The CDC reports low human transmission risk, but experts caution about possible mutations.
Consumers are considering backyard chickens as an alternative, despite high costs and risks.

History

Historical Context

The current crisis in the U.S. poultry industry due to H5N1 bird flu echoes past outbreaks, notably the 2015 H5N2 outbreak that led to the culling of over 43 million birds and a significant rise in egg prices. Historical responses, including vaccination efforts and strict culling protocols, highlight the ongoing challenges of avian influenza in maintaining food security and agricultural stability.

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Story summary

The U.S. poultry industry is in crisis due to H5N1 bird flu, resulting in millions of birds culled.
Egg prices have surged, with a dozen now averaging $4.95, and some regions exceeding $10.
Farmers are urging immediate vaccination efforts to stabilize supply and control prices.
The CDC reports low human transmission risk, but experts caution about possible mutations.
Consumers are considering backyard chickens as an alternative, despite high costs and risks.

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