July 2, 2015
An outbreak of avian influenza in Midwestern and Western states will likely reduce the availability of eggs for the next 12 months. Although federal officials have assured that the disease poses no threat to the U.S. food supply, they warn consumers to prepare for temporary egg shortages and price increases.
The infection cannot be transmitted through safely handled and properly cooked eggs.
The American Egg Board, a private marketing organization, has reported that 12 percent of the nation’s layer hens have been lost. According to a USDA survey, domestic egg production decreased by 5 percent in May. This trend will likely continue for several months.
U.S. egg farmers have implemented comprehensive biosecurity measures to protect chickens, turkeys and other domestic birds that are not infected.
For updated information about the outbreak, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/home/.