Egg Prices starting to Relax

On June 10, bird flu was confirmed in 15 states. As per experts, it has badly affected chicken flocks across the Midwest, but now it is being said egg prices have started to decline. There are chances that the production will soon return to normal.

Craig Coufal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist, said that earlier the situation was that they were not able to have eggs to meet the demand. Therefore, they were importing eggs from other states that have had outbreaks like Iowa.

Due to shortage of supply, egg prices increased across the country. As per the US Department of Agriculture, egg prices increased at $2.45 per dozen in the first week of June. But now the outbreak’s pace has gown down across the Midwest and the price has started to go down.

“Things should return to normal in the next couple of months as long as we don't have any new outbreaks this fall”, said Coufal. He affirmed that egg-laying and meat-producing poultry operations are taking steps to prevent the bird fly outbreaks. In Texas, similar steps are being carried out like strict biosecurity practices.

As per the US Department of Agriculture, biosecurity practices are practical management practices that help prevent diseases. Other measures include restriction on number of visitors, sterling everything to be used in operations like trucks, pallets and people.

In Texas, temperature could be reason for the lack of outbreaks. Experts said that the outbreak can take place when the migratory game birds are back in the fall.