As the avian flu has caused a shortage of eggs and soaring prices in the United States, the Trump administration is planning a new strategy to tackle the issue. This strategy emphasizes the use of stricter biosecurity measures and medications to manage poultry, instead of mass culling millions of egg-laying chickens when avian flu strikes.
Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, stated in an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation” last Sunday (February 16) that the current practice involves destroying all chickens on a farm once avian flu is detected, leading to egg shortages in stores. The Trump administration aims to seek “better methods, including biosecurity and medications,” to ensure that surrounding chickens are not culled.
Hassett mentioned that the government plans to announce more details this week. He said, “We are working with the best scientists in the government to ultimately determine how to achieve this goal. This should have happened a year ago, and if it had, egg prices would be much better than they are now.”
Normally, when chickens or turkeys begin to die from avian flu, government officials will cull or destroy all the chickens on the farm to prevent the disease from spreading. However, the culling of millions of chickens each month not only drives up egg prices but also prompts some stores to limit the quantity customers can purchase. In January, the average price of a dozen Grade A eggs in U.S. cities reached $4.95.
In some places, including California, the price of a dozen eggs even exceeded $9 at one point. Additionally, in many supermarkets, consumers often find it difficult to buy eggs, as they are quickly sold out once stocked.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins told “Fox and Friends” that her first briefing after being sworn into office was about avian flu.
“We are considering every possible scenario to ensure that we make every effort in a safe and reliable manner while ensuring that Americans have the food they need,” Rollins said.
The avian flu outbreak in the United States has resulted in the deaths of over 100 million egg-laying hens. Experts predicted in January that egg prices in 2025 could increase by an additional 20%.
(Reference: Associated Press)