Bird Flu Epidemic Hits Us Egg Supply as Prices Soar
The US Department of Agriculture has announced a $1 billion plan to combat the devastating bird flu epidemic that has killed tens-of-millions of poultry and pushed egg prices to an all-time high, with over 35 million birds killed in response to outbreaks. The Trump administration is providing commercial egg farms with best practices and consulting services for free, as well as financial relief programs to address vulnerabilities. The government has also eliminated regulations they say raise the cost of eggs.
- This crisis highlights the interconnectedness of food systems, where a single event – like a bird flu outbreak – can have far-reaching consequences on prices and availability.
- What measures will the US government take to ensure that the egg supply is stable and secure in the face of future pandemics or disruptions?