Despite a slowdown in new bird flu cases, egg prices in the US have reached record highs (April 14, 2025)

In partnership with

Hi 👋 

International Bird Flu Updates

• The risk of an H5N1 human pandemic is increasing as the virus gains a stronger foothold in new regions and mutates, according to WHO officials. [Source]

• Advanced vaccine candidates show promise in preventing a severe global outbreak, but production and distribution challenges remain. [Source]

• Trade restrictions and culling efforts have severely impacted the global poultry industry, with price shocks reverberating through food supply chains. [Source]

• In Germany, the Sorbian ethnic minority upheld Easter egg decorating traditions despite the bird flu threat. No outbreaks were reported in the region. [Source]

• India's Shahdol town discovered two more crow carcasses testing positive for H5N1, raising concerns about further spread in the region. [Source]

• Brazil has seen a 342% surge in egg exports as the H5N1 crisis disrupts global supply chains. Authorities warn the spike could implode the international egg market. [Source] [Source]

• Some French duck farmers are defying confinement orders aimed at containing H5N1, claiming "we have always practiced disobedience" against such measures. [Source] [Source]

• Poultry trade has plummeted worldwide due to export bans and culling operations, leading to supply shortages and price hikes for eggs and chicken products. [Source]

• The economic toll of the H5N1 crisis could exceed $20 billion if the outbreak escalates into a human pandemic, analysts warn. [Source]

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

Latest Developments

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a new case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock in Hardin County, Iowa, marking the state's seventh detection in domestic birds this year. [Source]

• European Commission is planning emergency measures to combat the spread of bird flu in Poland after a significant rise in outbreaks. [Source]

• Beloved peregrine falcon pairs in Wisconsin and Michigan have perished, likely due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Wildlife experts warn the virus poses a severe threat to wild bird populations. [Source] 

• Despite a slowdown in new bird flu cases, egg prices in the US have reached record highs, contradicting earlier predictions of a decline. Experts attribute this to lingering supply chain issues and the cumulative impact of the outbreak on egg production. [Source] [Source] [Source]

Scientific Research & Developments

• Researchers warn that the H5N1 avian influenza virus is rapidly evolving and spreading to mammalian species, raising concerns about its potential to trigger a human pandemic. Genomic studies offer insights into viral mutations that could increase human-to-human transmission risk. [Source] [Source]

• The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to a potential new bird flu vaccine candidate, accelerating its development and review process. [Source]

• A comprehensive market report projects significant growth in the avian influenza vaccine market, driven by the ongoing outbreaks and research efforts. [Source]

• Scientists at the University of Maryland are developing an intranasal spray that could protect cows and potentially humans from bird flu infection. The spray aims to boost mucosal immunity and prevent viral entry. [Source]

Laboratory Findings:

• Researchers at Iowa State University received a $2 million grant to advance animal disease preparedness, including studies on bird flu. [Source]

• A breakthrough in chicken genomics by Australian scientists offers new hope for developing more effective strategies against avian influenza. [Source]

Public Health Updates

• New cases/locations: In addition to the Iowa case, isolated outbreaks continue to be reported across multiple states and countries, indicating the virus's persistent spread. [Source] [Source]

• Transmission patterns: While human cases remain rare, experts warn that the virus's rapid evolution and spread among mammals heightens the risk of human spillover events that could lead to sustained human-to-human transmission. [Source]

Economic Impacts

• The egg industry faces severe repercussions, with prices skyrocketing due to supply shortages caused by the outbreak's toll on egg-laying flocks. Consumers are bearing the brunt of these price hikes. [Source] [Source]

• Agricultural economists warn that the Trump administration's policies, including reallocating funds intended for schools and food banks to combat bird flu, have exacerbated the economic fallout. [Source] [Source]

• Beyond the poultry sector, the outbreak has disrupted supply chains and affected various industries, leading to broader market impacts and consumer behavior shifts. [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• The virus's devastating impact on wild bird populations, particularly raptors like peregrine falcons, has raised alarms among conservationists and wildlife experts. Strict biosecurity protocols are urged to protect remaining vulnerable species. [Source] [Source] [Source]

• Pet owners, especially those with domesticated birds or outdoor cats, are advised to follow stringent safety measures to prevent transmission from wild birds or contaminated environments. Veterinary experts provide guidance on risk mitigation strategies. [Source] [Source]

Stay safe 💗 

Eva