The impact of the global bird flu crisis is starting to ripple through the agricultural sector, causing alarm over the egg supply and prices. According to the Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA), rumors of potential egg shortages have recently surfaced, following Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.'s warning about possible supply shortages approaching this April and May.
Despite these warnings, PEBA president Francis Uyehara assured the public during a radio interview on Sunday, stating, "We do not expect any shortage of eggs in the coming April and May." Uyehara emphasized the strength of the current egg supply, citing production levels this year as higher compared to the same period last year. He stated, "We have enough supply of eggs at least until April and May," and predicted egg prices would not experience significant increases. Traditionally, price hikes occur during holiday seasons such as Christmas and New Year.
Laurel has raised concerns based on last year’s market experiences, where oversupply and weak consumer demand caused egg prices to plummet. This situation forced many local producers to cull their egg-laying hens, significantly reducing the number of birds available for egg production and indicating potential future supply impacts. He warned, "This significantly reduced the population of egg-laying hens, potentially impacting future supply." The Agriculture Secretary highlighted how urgent measures are necessary to stabilize production levels and avoid exacerbated shortages.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is taking proactive steps to avert what might come as a crisis similar to those faced by poultry farmers abroad, particularly during the current severe bird flu outbreak affecting the United States. Over 18 million birds have contracted the virus nationwide, resulting in the culling of millions of egg-laying hens and leading to skyrocketing prices—a scenario the Philippines aims to avoid. The DA's initiatives include expediting the importation of egg-laying chickens and pursuing the immediate approval of avian influenza vaccines through the Food and Drug Administration.
To complement vaccine efforts, the DA is working hard to secure P300 million requested by the National Livestock Program to fund vaccine testing and administration. Laurel expressed optimism, stating, "We still have time, so there is chance we could avert this," urging local financial institutions to lend support to poultry farmers to rebuild their flocks swiftly.
Globally, the National Institutes of Health reports the avian influenza A virus, known as bird flu, is widespread among wild birds and poses significant challenges to poultry production. Notably, the Centers for Disease Control reports 67 cases of bird flu infection among humans, with one death since March 2024. Health experts remain cautious, noting the overall risk to the general public is still considered low. Most reported infections arose from direct contact with infected poultry rather than through consumption of egg products.
Dr. Geeta Sood, from Johns Hopkins Medicine, confirmed the low risk of contracting the H5N1 virus from properly handled and cooked eggs, emphasizing adequate food safety practices help mitigate risks associated with avian flu. "The risk of getting the H5N1 bird flu virus from eggs is minimal to none, and safe storage and cooking of eggs reduces any potential risk," she noted. USDA inspections help assure consumers about the safety of poultry and egg products entering the market.
To maintain safety, experts recommend purchasing eggs from trusted sources and ensuring they have been pasteurized to eliminate any potential pathogens. Unpasteurized eggs are not recommended, and consumers should avoid eggs with cracked shells, as both are indications of poor handling or disease risk.
At home, it's also encouraged to store eggs at appropriate refrigeration temperatures, avoiding consumption of raw eggs and ensuring eggs are fully cooked before eating. Safety guidelines include washing hands after egg handling and cleaning surfaces effectively to eliminate any potential contamination. Dr. Yoshua Quinones advised, "Do not eat raw eggs," and emphasized the need to cook eggs thoroughly to avoid any health risks.
The situation remains fluid as the Philippines gravitates toward potential egg supply constraints, with the DA implementing measures aimed at forestalling any imminent crisis. The hope is to stabilize production, maintain consumer confidence, and protect food security against the backdrop of a challenging global poultry health crisis.