Bird flu outbreaks have been affecting egg farms globally since 2022, with over 136 million birds infected to date. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has wiped out entire flocks of over 1,000 chickens, causing significant disruptions to the US egg production industry.
Greg Herbruck, CEO of Michigan-based Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, is a third-generation farmer who has struggled with the devastating effects of bird flu. The company lost three flocks to the virus, forcing it to cull its entire supply and leading to weeks of sleepless nights for Herbruck.
“It’s like someone took a baseball bat to my gut,” he said. “I’m just trying to say, ‘Please, we need help to fight this battle.'” The process of rebuilding the operation takes several months, with it taking about five months for chicks to reach maturity and start laying eggs again.
Herbruck expressed growing concerns as the virus has infected mammals, including cows, with over 968 dairy herds affected across 16 states. There have also been 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the US since 2024, including one fatality.
The lack of a vaccine is a major concern for Herbruck and the industry. “It’s not even possible to filter out that virus or disinfect the air,” he said. While some protocols are being taken to minimize the risk of contamination, Herbruck believes a vaccine would be a game-changer in the fight against bird flu.
The US egg production industry is already facing significant challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. Egg prices have risen to levels not seen since 2022, affecting consumers and farmers alike. With outbreaks continuing into early 2025, it’s unclear when prices will return to normal.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/egg-farmer-hit-hard-bird-flu-describes-nightmare-losing-3-flocks