A recent outbreak of bird flu has raised concerns about the safety of store-bought eggs, leading to increased prices and mass euthanization of chickens in large egg farming operations. According to Clemson University researchers, a single infected chicken can lead to the death of all birds on the farm, making it necessary for farmers to depopulate entire operations.
The bird flu virus is spread by wild ducks and geese, and experts say the current outbreak is the largest animal disease outbreak in American history, with 23 million chickens infected since January. This has resulted in a significant increase in egg prices, with some consumers reporting a surge of up to $8 per dozen.
Clemson University’s Julie Helm, a livestock and poultry health expert, warns that vaccination efforts may not be effective due to the virus’s unpredictable nature and high cost. She advises backyard chicken owners to closely monitor their flocks for signs of illness and emphasizes that vaccinated chickens are unlikely to protect others from infection.
Despite concerns about egg safety, experts assure that store-bought eggs are not directly affected by the outbreak. However, it may take at least a year for depopulated egg farms to recover and replenish their stock.
Source: https://www.wistv.com/2025/02/18/bird-flu-outbreak-raises-questions-about-safety-store-bought-eggs