You can thank the bird flu for the shortage of eggs in the United States.
The Washington Post explains that in Texas, H-E-B grocery stores have begun to ration eggs to make sure that commercial businesses don’t buy eggs in bulk. While farmers are certainly affected by the bird flu, consumers will suffer too. According to the newspaper, the average price of a dozen eggs has just about doubled since the end of May, and eggs sold in liquid form have jumped from an average of $0.63 a dozen to more than $1.50 a dozen.
The bird flu began spreading more rapidly in April. United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Science Health Inspection Service has been tracking cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since December 2014. As of June 5, more than 46 million birds have been affected.
Bird flu has been detected in flocks in 15 states: Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oregon, California, Washington and Idaho. These detections include both backyard and commercial flocks.
Poultry shows banned
Several states including Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio have banned all live poultry shows, including county and independent fairs, state fairs, auctions and swap meets this year because of the bird flu.
Via: The Washington Post > Egg rationing in America has officially begun
More about the bird flu:
- Ohio cancels all poultry shows to minimize bird flu risk June 2, 2015
- Michigan cancels poultry shows, including 4-H, for 2015 due to bird flu June 1, 2015
- Bird flu threatens fair season May 22, 2015
- Five more chicken flocks in Midwest with bird flu; 37 million birds affected May 22, 2015
- USDA confirms bird flu in backyard flock in Indiana May 11, 2015
STAY INFORMED. SIGN UP!
Up-to-date agriculture news in your inbox!
