Arizona Egg Prices Set to Skyrocket Again, Here’s Why

Just when eggs were becoming affordable again, we got hit with more bad news: Arizona's egg prices are about to skyrocket again.

We're facing another significant bird flu outbreak. Two of Maricopa County's commercial egg farms are reporting flock infections.

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Arizona's Department of Agriculture is now calling this an "animal disease emergency." Hang on to your wallet. As you may have guessed, experts are sounding the alarm; egg prices will most likely begin to skyrocket again in the next few weeks.

Public Health Risk of Surging Bird Flu in Arizona

This bird flu outbreak in Arizona is part of a larger trend. The AZDA is working with the USDA to track cases of bird flu. They've identified multiple cases of the "highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)" this year. It has affected over 4 million birds on different farms.

Until late last fall, Arizona had largely avoided bird flu in commercial poultry; over the last few months, cases have surged throughout the state.

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According to the CDC, the health risk to the general public is low; workers and individuals who directly handle poultry have the highest risk of contracting avian flu.

Bird Flu in Arizona and the Impact on Poultry Farms

The price increase will ultimately be determined by supply and demand. To curb the spread of bird flu, infected flocks have to be culled to prevent further spread of this highly contagious illness. That means egg producers will suffer massive losses. Few birds mean fewer laying hens and a smaller supply of eggs.

As in times past, the cost of eggs will rise, but the price of poultry will likely remain stable.

Why are Arizona Egg Prices Surging, but Not Chicken?

Biosecurity measures are in place to prevent both the spread to other farms and the risk of bird flu infection for humans. Farms are under quarantine to contain the virus.

If you raise poultry and suspect your flock may be ill, the USDA advises you to report the information to the USDA at (866) 536-7593.

Sources: WattAgNet | InMariopa.com | AZ Department of Agriculture | USDA