Bird flu has led to an egg shortage in the US

As a result of the bird flu epidemic, the US agricultural complex lost about 17.2 million laying hens in November and December, which led to a shortage of bird eggs in the country, CNN reports, citing sources in the MSG.

 

Against this backdrop, the price of eggs in the US has increased by 25% over the past three months to $4.33/dozen. However, the American Egg Producers Association notes that it will take at least 6-9 months for the market to fully recover.

 

In late 2024, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported “severe mutations” in bird flu that had not been seen in previous samples from infected flocks. Doctors found changes in the virus’s hemagglutinin gene, which plays a key role in its attachment to the body’s cells.

 

In early January, the first patient in the United States who contracted bird flu through contact with birds died. The 65-year-old patient was hospitalized in critical condition, but doctors were unable to save him.

 

A reduction in poultry numbers will reduce feed and grain consumption in the second half of the season.