Bird flu has been affecting egg production in the United States since late 2024. Between November and December, egg prices rose due to the outbreak of the disease, which compromised production on laying hens in the country. An estimated 17.2 million birds died as a result of the infection, worsening the shortage of laying hens, egg production and driving up prices at the shelf.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu has symptoms similar to those of the common flu. The disease is common in wild birds, but has recently been detected in dairy flocks and even in human beings.
To try to contain the spread of the virus, poultry farmers sacrifice their flock whenever the disease is confirmed in any chicken on the farm.
The number of avian influenza infections in commercial and wild flocks continues to rise, with more than 130 confirmed cases in the past month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This increase raises concerns about the spread of the virus and its impact on the livestock industry.
Human cases and new restrictions
Nevada has confirmed its first human case of bird flu in a farm worker who had contact with infected dairy cattle, the Central Nevada Health District said, just days after officials identified a second strain of the virus in cows in the region.
In light of the spread of the disease, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the temporary closure of all live poultry markets in New York City and the counties of Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk. The measure, which will be in effect until February 14, was adopted after seven cases of avian influenza were detected in poultry during health inspections. The goal is to contain the spread of the virus and protect public health, reinforcing that there is no immediate threat to the population.
About 80 grocery stores were affected by the decision. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said officials are closely monitoring the situation and using all available tools to track potential human cases. He also stressed that the state is prepared to conduct large-scale testing if necessary.
Impact on egg prices
The year 2025 began with a significant increase in the prices of eggs and egg products, leading consumers to seek alternatives to this food.
According to the portal Rural Channel, in 2024, a dozen eggs in the United States cost around R$$24.00. In a report published by CNN, at the beginning of 2025, a dozen eggs cost up to US$$10.65, equivalent to R$$61.37 (price on 02/12/2025).
The US Department of Agriculture estimates that egg prices will rise by 20% over the course of 2025, which could make it harder to fulfill one of Donald Trump's campaign promises to lower prices and control inflation.
While in the United States the increase in egg prices is directly related to cases of bird flu, in the Brazilian domestic market, the increase is mainly due to the growth in demand for consumption, with no impact of the disease on laying hens.
By Suellen Lima and Cibeli Marques
Review by Vanessa Ferreira
