Avian Flu Outbreak Decimates Poultry, Egg Prices Soar

As of October 2025, a devastating avian influenza outbreak has wreaked havoc on the U.S. poultry industry and natural ecosystems. Since the virus was first detected in the country in 2022, over 175 million poultry birds have been culled or died as a result of the disease.

The outbreak has caused significant disruptions to egg production, leading to soaring prices for consumers. Experts predict that egg prices could double in late 2025 due to seasonal spikes in bird flu cases, which tend to occur in the fall and winter months as wild birds migrate. This new seasonality in egg prices is a direct consequence of the avian flu crisis.

The impact of the virus extends beyond the poultry sector. In a concerning development, bird flu has now been detected in dairy cattle and sheep for the first time, raising fears about the potential for the disease to spread to other mammalian species. Experts have also reported devastating impacts on wild bird populations, with some species facing the risk of extinction due to the outbreak.

As the avian flu crisis continues to unfold, the U.S. government and agricultural industry are working to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its effects on food production and the natural environment. However, the long-term consequences of this outbreak remain uncertain, and the situation is likely to continue posing significant challenges in the months and years ahead.