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An egg crisis is unfolding in the United States, caused by a large-scale bird flu epidemic that has killed millions of chickens and sharply reduced the supply of the product. As a result, egg prices have risen to record levels, and supermarkets have begun to impose restrictions on purchases, Reuters reports.
Catastrophic losses
Since the beginning of 2022, the H5N1 virus has affected 129 million birds in 17 states, causing the worst food shortages in decades.
Record prices in the US
- New York: $8.47 per dozen
- California: $9.68 per dozen
- On average, the national price rose by 15.2% in just one month.
Turkey rescues the US market
To mitigate the crisis, Turkey has started exporting 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the US under an agreement that will last until July 2025. This is expected to bring Turkey $26 million in revenue.
Will imports help reduce prices?
Despite the measures, experts warn that the situation will remain critical due to difficulties in restoring the chicken population.
The US egg shortage is another alarming signal for the global food market.
