The spread of H5N1 bird flu continues to devastate American farmers and the agricultural sector, with no signs of abating and the situation potentially escalating to a “disaster”, reports Fox Business.
Worst In History
The current bird flu outbreak is potentially the worst in the history of the United States, surpassing the 2015 outbreak, according to Brian Moscogiuri, Vice President of Eggs Unlimited, who made this statement on “Fox & Friends.” Since the beginning of 2022, the country has lost 120 million birds, with 45 million egg-laying hens lost in the last few months alone. This significant production loss, exceeding 13%, has led to severe supply shortages. The virus is currently affecting three of the top egg-laying states, and its spread shows no signs of slowing down.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bird flu detections have been observed in various species, including dairy cattle, wild birds, poultry flocks, and other mammals. Human cases have also been reported, with 68 confirmed cases and one fatality. Several grocery and restaurant chains, such as Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Whole Foods, and Waffle House, have implemented measures like purchase limits or egg surcharges to manage the dwindling supply.
Farmers and industry experts are actively investigating the virus’s transmission pathways. Possible factors include the migration of wild birds and potential environmental reservoirs, such as the soil or air within the farms. The concern is heightened by the re-emergence of the virus in some farms that had previously been depopulated and were attempting to repopulate.
Difficult Business
Eggs Unlimited is one of the largest international suppliers of eggs, servicing major retailers, distributors, and food service companies. They also act as a sort of “broker” for eggs, according to Moscogiuri.
Business is currently “difficult” due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak. Moscogiuri explained that with fewer eggs available, the primary focus is on ensuring that customers receive their orders and maintain an adequate supply on their shelves. For consumers, the company is striving to mitigate the impact of the outbreak by managing pricing and addressing supply chain shortages.
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Source: Fox Business
