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Bird Flu Hits 12 States, Prices Soar!
14 Jun
Summary
- Bird flu cases in 12 states could soon impact egg and poultry prices.
- Over 100 million birds have been culled due to the ongoing outbreak.
- Consumers face higher prices six to eight weeks after flock losses.
The U.S. poultry industry is grappling with a renewed wave of bird flu cases, with 12 states reporting infections in commercial flocks as of June 2026. This ongoing outbreak, active since 2022, includes laying hens, broiler chickens, and turkeys. The "stamping out" strategy, involving depopulating infected flocks and enhancing biosecurity, continues as the primary response.
This resurgence poses a significant concern for consumers, potentially leading to increased egg and poultry prices. Over 100 million birds have been culled nationwide in response to the confirmed outbreaks. Such large-scale flock losses typically manifest in retail prices approximately six to eight weeks later, impacting grocery budgets and restaurant costs.
Health agencies emphasize that properly cooked poultry and egg products remain safe for consumption, with minimal risk to humans. The main impact is economic, affecting affordability for households and consumers, especially in high-demand metropolitan areas. Federal monitoring by the USDA and APHIS remains active, with weekly updates on affected operations.
