WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a stark prediction: the current record prices for eggs might increase by more than 40% in 2025. This comes as the Trump administration unveiled new details on its strategy to combat bird flu and curb the escalating cost of eggs.
With a focus on enhancing biosecurity on farms, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the USDA will allocate an additional $1 billion to battle the bird flu, supplementing the approximately $2 billion already spent since the outbreak began in 2022. Despite previous hints at the plan earlier this month, it remains uncertain how much more farmers can do to prevent the virus from infiltrating their operations.
Egg and poultry farmers have been proactive in safeguarding their flocks since the 2015 bird flu outbreak, implementing measures such as requiring workers to change clothes and shower before entering barns, using separate sets of tools, and sanitizing vehicles entering farms. However, the challenge persists as wild birds migrating past farms easily spread the virus.
The main reason for the surge in egg prices, which reached a record average of $4.95 per dozen this month, is the slaughter of over 166 million birds to contain the virus's spread, with the majority being egg-laying chickens. Last month was particularly devastating for egg farmers, with nearly 19 million egg-laying chickens slaughtered.
The USDA now forecasts that egg prices will rise by at least 41% this year, exacerbating the already record high prices. This prediction is a significant increase from last month's estimate of a 20% hike. Consumers have been hit hard, with some paying more than a dollar per egg, prompting restaurants like Denny’s and Waffle House to impose surcharges on egg dishes.
Rollins acknowledged that it will take time for consumers to see relief at the checkout counter, as it takes months for infected farms to dispose of carcasses, sanitize facilities, and raise new birds. However, she is optimistic that the plan will eventually stabilize prices, potentially by summer.
Despite concerns about federal workforce cuts directed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, Rollins expressed confidence in USDA’s capability to address the bird flu crisis. She emphasized that the department is realigning resources and evaluating where efforts are best focused.
The plan outlines a $500 million investment to bolster biosecurity measures on farms, $400 million in additional aid for farmers affected by avian flu, and $100 million towards research and potential development of vaccines and therapeutics for U.S. chicken flocks. The administration is also considering rolling back restrictive animal welfare rules in certain states.
Discussions are underway to import 70 million to 100 million eggs from other countries in the coming months. However, given that 7.57 billion table eggs were produced last month, these imports are unlikely to significantly impact the market.
Officials have suggested that vaccines could help reduce the number of birds slaughtered during an outbreak. However, no vaccines have been approved yet, and existing prototypes require impractical individual shots for each bird. Additionally, vaccinated birds could complicate export processes.
The National Turkey Federation welcomed the USDA's plan but urged the department to consider the needs of all egg and poultry farmers, not just egg producers.
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Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska. Aamer Madhani contributed from Washington.
