Egg prices across the country have surged, hitting new records, and government experts are pointing to a bird flu outbreak as the main driver.
Key Facts:
– California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to manage bird flu efforts.
– The outbreak was first identified in Kansas and has since spread to dairy cattle in 16 states, including Texas.
– A Reuters report places the cost of a dozen eggs in California at \$8.85.
– Officials estimate 35 million hens have been lost to the virus this year.
– Egg prices in the Midwest hover at about \$5.57 per dozen, a 150% increase from last year.
The Rest of the Story:
For much of this year, experts have warned that bird flu has swept through dozens of states, causing significant losses among egg-producing hens.
In response, several state governments have taken action to slow the spread, including California, where Governor Newsom’s state of emergency aims to speed up resources to infected farms.
Analysts say the large drop in egg-laying hens has strained supply, pushing prices to new heights and causing frustration among consumers.
The illness has been detected as far south as Texas and continues to spread in multiple locations.
This is how much the price of eggs has shot up in Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/MxuGFA35e6
— Daniel Greenfield – "Hang Together or Separately" (@Sultanknish) December 20, 2024
Commentary:
While the prevailing view points to bird flu as the main cause of sudden price hikes, a certain level of caution is understandable.
Some are wary of how the government—particularly in traditionally left-leaning states like California and New York—handled earlier health crises, leading to skepticism about official responses.
Given the history of media coverage that has at times raised alarms, it is fair to question if the current fears surrounding bird flu are entirely warranted.
Even though the virus is real, the dramatic narratives from some outlets fuel concern about whether we are experiencing a problem of this magnitude or simply reacting to exaggerated messaging.
The Bottom Line:
In the end, the bird flu appears to have significantly impacted the egg supply and driven up prices.
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However, questions remain about the scope of the threat and the intensity of the response.