Concerns are mounting over the possibility of widespread egg shortages as avian influenza continues to rattle poultry industries both domestically and internationally. With Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Philippines Department of Agriculture warning of potential shortages by April, he emphasized the need for immediate action to support local producers who are already feeling the impact.
"Hopefully, there may be a chance to avert this because it’s only February," Tiu Laurel told reporters. He recommended funding support for local egg producers as they navigate the challenges following last year's oversupply crisis, which drastically affected farm-gate prices.
The significance of this looming crisis extends beyond the Philippines’ borders, as reflected by the situation in the United States, where the price of eggs has soared. The average price for a dozen eggs hit $4.15 nationally by December 2023 and could rise another 20% this year, driven largely by the avian flu outbreak. Shoppers across the country are experiencing empty shelves and steep prices, with organic and cage-free varieties costing even more.
According to consumer Sage Mills from Minneapolis, the price hikes are frustrating. "It’s just robbery. Eggs used to be kind of a staple food for us, but now you know, you might as well just go out to eat," he lamented.
The bird flu outbreak, which began impacting poultry populations devastatingly since 2022, requires strict measures to contain its spread. When avian influenza is detected on a farm, entire flocks are slaughtered to prevent the virus from moving beyond affected areas. This has led to the culling of more than 145 million birds, predominantly egg-laying hens, contributing to the drastic drop in supply.
Compounding the issue are the regulations for cage-free egg production established by several states, including California and Massachusetts, which have created additional challenges for farmers. These laws mandate minimum space requirements, leading to fluctuations and disruptions within the supply chain.
Despite reports from the Philippine Egg Board Association stating the domestic supply has actually increased, caution prevails. Chair Emeritus Gregorio San Diego expressed, "...anything can happen. There are so many cases of bird flu in other countries and I hope it doesn’t reach our country." His sentiments echo the anxieties felt among consumers and producers alike.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Tiu Laurel discussed the need for financing assistance to support the repopulation efforts among local poultry raisers. The Department of Agriculture is pushing for the expedited importation of egg-laying chickens and has requested funding for vaccination efforts against avian influenza, which could begin as early as March.
The Philippine government has also maintained no positive avian influenza cases, as reported by the Bureau of Animal Industry. Surveillance and containment efforts have ensured none of the illnesses have resulted from contact with currently infected flocks.
Yet, as the crisis continues to loom, the potential repercussions of egg shortages ripple beyond households, impacting bakeries, restaurants, and food manufacturers reliant on egg supply. With the anticipated rise in prices, businesses may be forced to raise their costs or cut production output.
Meanwhile, U.S. farmers are employing extensive biosecurity measures to protect their flocks, including truck washes and employee protocols to maintain cleanliness. The amount they’ve invested is staggering; Loren Brey, a turkey farmer from Minnesota, shared, "Over the last five years, my small farm alone has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on biosecurity. But not only is it the money, it’s the time spent daily attending to it."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has spent at least $1.14 billion compensatively to farmers dealing with the aftermath of bird flu-related culls, with additional funding aimed at protecting livestock against future outbreaks.
Given the interconnected nature of the food supply chain, the trends seen within egg production, pricing, and shortages are likely to be felt worldwide, as local markets grapple not only with fluctuated costs but also with the underlying assurance of food security.
Addressing the impending egg shortage requires strategic thinking and immediate action across all related sectors, ensuring both producers and consumers aren't left scrambling for basics amid rising prices and dwindling supply.