A devastating bird flu outbreak is affecting the egg industry across the US, causing a significant shortage and price hike. Simpson’s Eggs, a family-owned business in North Carolina, has been impacted by the outbreak, which has resulted in the elimination of over 20 million birds nationwide since January.
The impact is felt far beyond just eggs, with experts warning that bird flu poses a risk to other food sources, including turkeys, meat chickens, and dairy cattle. The US Department of Agriculture expects egg prices to rise another 20% in 2025, with the average price of a dozen eggs reaching $4.82 per dozen.
Alex Simpson, president of Simpson’s Eggs, is urging lawmakers to take the outbreak seriously, stating that “this is the nation’s food supply” and that it requires a joint effort from various groups to slow the spread. He plans to visit Washington, D.C. next week to discuss funding and research for finding a solution.
Experts caution that while bird flu poses a low risk to human health at present, there is a potential worst-case scenario where the virus mutates into something easily transferable to humans. To mitigate this risk, Simpson recommends cooking eggs thoroughly and avoiding raw milk and dairy products.
Source: https://www.wbtv.com/2025/01/30/north-carolina-egg-farmer-urges-bird-flu-be-taken-seriously-this-is-nations-food-supply