What's happened
As of June 7, 2025, bird flu continues to devastate egg production in the U.S., particularly affecting Hickman's Egg Ranch in Arizona. The farm has lost 90% of its chicken stock due to the outbreak, raising concerns about future egg prices and supply chain stability.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- The bird flu epidemic remains a critical issue, with Glenn Hickman reporting a loss of 170 million birds since the outbreak began.
- The destruction of 90% of his chicken stock raises questions about the future of egg prices and supply.
Economic Implications
- Hickman's Egg Ranch supplies about 80% of Arizona's eggs, and the loss of production capacity could lead to price fluctuations despite recent national price drops.
- Experts suggest that while prices have decreased nationally, local shortages may still drive prices up in Arizona.
Vaccination Debate
- The U.S. has not implemented a vaccination strategy for poultry, which could mitigate future outbreaks. This decision is under scrutiny as the epidemic risks becoming endemic.
- Hickman’s frustration highlights the need for a more proactive approach to poultry health management.
What the papers say
According to Tracy Alloway from Bloomberg, the ongoing bird flu epidemic has led to significant losses for Glenn Hickman, who stated, "We've lost 170 million birds and that's just got to stop." This sentiment is echoed by Graig Graziosi from The Independent, who reported that Hickman's Egg Ranch has had to destroy chickens at three of its four farms due to the flu. Graziosi also noted that the Arizona Department of Agriculture confirmed a third commercial farm tested positive for the virus. While some experts predict potential price increases due to reduced supply, Hickman believes the market impact will be "pretty nominal." This contrast in perspectives illustrates the uncertainty surrounding the economic ramifications of the outbreak.
How we got here
The bird flu outbreak began in February 2022, leading to significant losses in poultry stocks across the U.S. Hickman's Egg Ranch, a major supplier, has been particularly hard hit, prompting discussions about vaccination and supply chain management.
Go deeper
- What measures are being taken to control the bird flu outbreak?
- How will this impact egg prices in the coming months?
- Are there any vaccination plans for poultry in the U.S.?
Common question
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How is Bird Flu Affecting Egg Production and Prices in the U.S.?
The ongoing bird flu crisis is significantly impacting egg production in the U.S., particularly at major farms like Hickman's Egg Ranch. With reports of massive losses in chicken stock, many are left wondering how this will affect egg prices and availability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this pressing issue.
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