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Bird Flu Devastates U.S. Poultry, Egg Prices Surge

1/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. poultry industry is reeling from a devastating bird flu outbreak that has wiped out over 40 million laying hens in 2024. As a result, egg prices have skyrocketed, with some areas seeing costs soar to nearly $9 per dozen. States enforcing cage-free mandates are struggling even more, making recovery a daunting challenge.

History

Historical Context

The current bird flu outbreak in the U.S. poultry industry mirrors past crises, notably the 2015 H5N2 outbreak that led to the destruction of over 43 million birds and a 120% spike in egg prices. Historical patterns show that avian influenza outbreaks consistently disrupt supply chains, causing significant economic strain and raising food prices, particularly for vulnerable consumers reliant on poultry.

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Story summary

The U.S. poultry industry is reeling from a devastating bird flu outbreak that has wiped out over 40 million laying hens in 2024. As a result, egg prices have skyrocketed, with some areas seeing costs soar to nearly $9 per dozen. States enforcing cage-free mandates are struggling even more, making recovery a daunting challenge.

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