In response to record-high egg prices, the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division is investigating Cal-Maine Foods, the nation’s largest egg producer. Despite record sales of $1.42 billion in the third quarter—primarily driven by increased egg prices—Cal-Maine’s stock fell after hours following the announcement. The investigation follows a bird flu outbreak that decimated the egg-laying chicken population, contributing to soaring egg prices and increased scrutiny of the company. Cal-Maine is cooperating with the investigation.
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To combat a 65%+ year-over-year surge in egg prices, the Trump administration is importing millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea. This action, part of a $1 billion plan to address a devastating bird flu outbreak, aims to alleviate all-time high consumer prices. The plan also includes biosecurity measures, vaccine research, and financial aid for farmers to bolster domestic production. While imports will provide short-term relief, the administration anticipates a return to domestic egg supplies within a few months.
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A severe US bird flu outbreak has caused a domestic egg shortage and price surge, prompting the US to seek egg exports from several European nations. Following previous inquiries to Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands (with Finland refusing), the US has now approached Lithuania for potential egg exports. Lithuanian poultry officials confirmed contact from the US embassy, providing requested information. The situation has generated considerable online mockery in Europe, highlighting past US-European tensions and the irony of the US’s current predicament.
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Facing record-high egg prices due to a bird flu outbreak, the US Department of Agriculture contacted Denmark and other European nations to inquire about potential egg exports. These inquiries, part of a broader $1 billion effort to combat the crisis, follow existing US tariffs and threats of further economic sanctions against some European countries. While the Danish Egg Association confirmed receiving the request, it noted a global egg shortage, making significant exports unlikely. Turkey has already begun supplying eggs to the US.
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H5N1 avian flu has been detected in black rats in California, marking the first such case. This discovery follows previous confirmations of the virus in mice on affected farms and expands the list of infected mammals, which now includes a harbor seal, fox, bobcat, and domestic cat. The USDA is actively managing the ongoing outbreak, despite recent cost-cutting measures that led to the temporary dismissal of some bird flu experts, and continues to prioritize the response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This widespread infection has resulted in the culling of approximately 148 million birds and has contributed to rising egg prices and several human cases, including one fatality.
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In an effort to cut costs, the USDA inadvertently terminated several bird flu experts, a move it is now working to rectify. These terminations, part of broader federal workforce reductions, impacted essential personnel despite exemptions for veterinarians and emergency responders. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, responsible for the culling of 148 million birds and impacting egg prices and human health, necessitates these experts’ continued employment. These actions follow recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency and coincide with the cancellation of numerous contracts, some related to DEI initiatives.
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Wyoming recently identified its first human case of avian influenza, a development that has understandably sparked concern and a flurry of reactions. The news comes as a significant event, highlighting the potential for the virus to spread within the human population, although it’s crucial to remember that this specific instance doesn’t yet represent human-to-human transmission.
The initial announcement has, predictably, become a political lightning rod. Some celebrate the event, albeit darkly, as a sign of American exceptionalism, while others see it as a symptom of deeper systemic failures. The lack of a coordinated, effective response to the situation fuels these pessimistic viewpoints, with the current administration’s approach coming under heavy scrutiny.… Continue reading
January saw a record high average price of $4.95 for a dozen Grade A eggs, more than double the August 2023 low, primarily due to a large bird flu outbreak resulting in the culling of nearly 158 million birds. This surge accounts for two-thirds of the increase in overall food costs and has led to shortages in many grocery stores, with some locations experiencing significantly higher prices and limited availability. The USDA predicts a 20% increase in egg prices this year, and relief is not anticipated soon, exacerbated by increased holiday demand and ongoing production challenges. Higher feed, fuel, and labor costs, along with increased biosecurity measures and growing demand, further contribute to the price increases.
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Nevada reported its first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in a farm worker exposed to infected cattle, expanding the ongoing U.S. outbreak to nearly 70 human cases. The individual experienced conjunctivitis but is recovering, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The discovery follows the recent identification of a second avian flu strain (D1.1) in Nevada dairy cattle, raising concerns given a Louisiana death associated with this strain. Health officials emphasize the low public risk of the virus, according to the CDC.
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Following the detection of seven bird flu cases in New York City, Governor Hochul mandated a temporary closure of live poultry markets from February 7th to 14th for thorough disinfection. All markets, regardless of infection status, must sell remaining inventory and remain closed for five additional days after cleaning. Affected markets must contact the state Department of Agriculture, while the situation also impacts zoos and contributes to rising egg prices and price gouging concerns. A separate bird flu strain has also been detected in Nevada dairy cows, though milk pasteurization renders it safe for consumption.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood