As the sun rises on a chilly December morning in California, a crisis is quietly unfolding in farms and supermarkets across the state. The humble egg, a staple of countless breakfast tables, has become the unexpected epicenter of a perfect storm brewing at the intersection of agriculture, economics, and public health. The Golden State finds itself struggling with an unprecedented egg shortage, a situation that has far-reaching implications for consumers, farmers, and the broader economy.
Bird Flu Outbreak and Its Impact
The current bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has intensified in recent months, particularly affecting California. According to NBC Bay Area, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, specifically the H5N1 strain, has led to the culling of tens of millions of egg-laying hens across the country. The New York Times reports that this situation has become so severe that Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on December 18, 2024, as confirmed by CBS Sacramento.