Content Farmers Warn of Bird Flu Crisis: Egg Prices Reach All-Time High
Farmer Brian Kreher of Kreher Family Farms is relieved that none of his birds have fallen ill during the current avian flu outbreak, but he remains vigilant and worried daily. His 18-acre farm has so far been spared from the virus’s wrath, which has devastated poultry farms across the United States.
Kreher faces difficult decisions like whether to accept a new batch of baby chicks from a hatchery near a known hotspot in Pennsylvania. Accepting these birds means continuing his farming operations and replacing any losses; however, if he declines, it could force him out of business over time due to the high mortality rates.
According to Kreher, “I had no choice,” as accepting the baby chicks was either that or face financial ruin within a year. “Egg farmers are in the fight of our lives and we are losing,” he stated emphatically.
The avian flu, also known as H5N1, has been present among American poultry flocks for years but caused unprecedented destruction starting in 2022 when over 156 million birds were lost. The outbreak led to a sharp increase in egg prices, reaching $4.95 per dozen.
Despite implementing various security measures on his farm, including washing vehicles and using lasers to deter wild birds, Kreher acknowledges the persistent threat posed by the virus. “Bird flu is on our minds from the moment we get up to the moment we sleep,” he emphasized.
In response to farmer’s pressing needs, newly confirmed USDA leader Brooke Rollins and Kevin Hassett of the National Economic Council are reportedly working on a plan focusing on biosecurity and medication. However, some poultry industry groups remain skeptical about vaccinations’ effectiveness due to concerns about trade barriers and lack of global acceptance for vaccinated bird exports.
Public health experts have criticized both administrationsboth Trump’s and Biden’sfor their responses to the disease. The current administration has been accused of downplaying its significance while also cutting billions from biomedical research funding, which could hamper efforts in combating future outbreaks.
The struggle to effectively track and control avian flu underscores America’s reliance on global information systems for disease surveillancea challenge intensified by recent withdrawals from international organizations like the World Health Organization. This environment of fatigue and decreased trust makes it crucial for any administration to maintain vigilance against potential health crises.
