Additional Coverage:
- Eggs may be expensive forever (newsbreak.com)
Egg prices are soaring again due to a persistent bird flu outbreak, now in its third year. This outbreak is impacting supply, while seasonal demand for holiday baking and winter comfort food remains high. Consumers have also been buying more eggs than usual over the past couple of years.
Eggs have become a symbol of frustratingly high prices. Consumers buy them frequently, are aware of their usual cost, and use them in many dishes.
They are also a popular, affordable protein source. However, their affordability is now in question.
A dozen large, grade-A eggs cost over $4 in December, significantly higher than the previous year’s price. Wholesale prices are even steeper, with a dozen eggs costing over $7 compared to a five-year average of $2.10.
Retail prices vary depending on location and store, with some larger retailers offering lower prices. State laws regarding cage-free eggs can also affect cost.
Experts are uncertain about when prices will decrease. The ongoing bird flu and the shift towards cage-free eggs could keep prices elevated.
The current bird flu outbreak is unprecedented in scale and persistence. Unlike previous outbreaks, it isn’t confined to a single season and is spreading among various species, including dairy cows, cats, and even humans. The virus is widespread in the environment, making containment difficult.
Poultry farms, despite having strict biosecurity measures, are struggling. When a single chicken tests positive, the entire flock must be eliminated. Some farms have experienced multiple outbreaks, making repopulation challenging.
There isn’t a clear solution to this persistent outbreak. It’s a complex issue influenced by environmental changes, such as loss of wetlands and shifting migration patterns, as well as modern farming practices. Climate change is also thought to be a contributing factor, potentially increasing animals’ susceptibility to the virus.
Better surveillance and tracking of the virus are crucial first steps. However, implementing these measures and other improvements, such as enhanced biosecurity, requires significant investment, which could further increase egg prices.
Vaccines for poultry are a possibility, but they come with their own set of complications, including potential trade implications. Some countries are hesitant to import vaccinated birds.
Demand for eggs typically declines in the summer, but this might not offset the impact of the bird flu and other supply issues. The increased demand for eggs over the past two years, driven by their affordability and perceived health benefits, further complicates the situation.
Finally, state mandates for cage-free eggs contribute to higher prices in those areas. The transition to cage-free systems is costly for producers.
This, coupled with the bird flu, presents a significant challenge. Consumers are feeling the pinch, and the future of egg prices remains uncertain.
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- Eggs may be expensive forever (newsbreak.com)