Wedoany.com Report-Feb 25, The United States saw its population of egg-laying hens decrease to approximately 363 million in January, the lowest since 2016, according to data released by the US Department of Agriculture on Monday. This decline, a 3.8% drop from the previous year, follows an outbreak of avian influenza that led to the loss of millions of birds. As a result, egg production fell to 8.865 billion eggs, a 4.2% reduction compared to January of the prior year, marking the smallest output for the month since the last significant bird flu event in 2016.

The reduction in hen numbers and egg output has contributed to a steady increase in egg prices throughout the year, reaching unprecedented levels. With fewer chickens available to lay eggs, supplies at grocery stores have dwindled, prompting some retailers to impose purchase limits. Meanwhile, dining establishments like Denny’s have introduced additional fees to offset the higher costs of eggs.

Recent reports confirm ongoing cases of avian influenza, including a notable incident at a commercial egg facility in Darke County, Ohio. Last week, the USDA documented that over 3 million birds were impacted at this location alone, highlighting the continued spread of the disease among poultry populations.

Farmers are now preparing for potential challenges as wild birds begin their seasonal migration. Justin Barlup, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, noted: “Once birds start flying back north as the weather warms up, flu cases could start rising.” This migration, expected in the coming months, may increase the risk of further avian influenza outbreaks, potentially affecting poultry farms across the region.

The combination of lower hen numbers, reduced egg production, and persistent disease threats has created a strained supply chain for eggs in the US. Consumers and businesses alike are adapting to the limited availability and elevated prices as the situation develops. The USDA continues to monitor the spread of avian influenza, providing updates to support the agricultural sector and maintain accurate records of poultry and egg production nationwide.