Egg prices are expected to surge further due to the ongoing avian flu epidemic, experts warn. According to the Department of Labor, eggs are already 40% more expensive than they were a year ago.
The epidemic has claimed over 100 million egg-laying hens, and experts predict an additional 20% increase in egg prices by 2025. This is due to the need to slaughter every bird on the farm when the virus is detected to prevent its spread.
Supply chain expert Patrick Penfield notes that this process can take around five months for a chicken farmer to recover. Meanwhile, Iowa State University Professor Chad Hart explains that allowing chickens to roam freely increases their risk of catching the flu due to the presence of wild birds that carry the disease.
As a result, egg prices are set to get worse, with some experts warning that this could lead to food shortages and disruptions in supply chains.
Source: https://www.alternet.org/price-eggs-higher