NewsBreak Original

Many people are shocked by the cost of eggs lately and wonder why the price of eggs has more than doubled and is up some 130% within the past year (source). Is it a matter of greed and price gouging? Or is the Bird Flu to blame?

Will deviled eggs be missing from spring and summer gatherings this year?. Everyone is talking about the price of eggs which as I write this article are over $5.00 for a dozen and more than $7,00 for a pack of 16. Local bakeries according to WDBJ 7 don't want to pass the increase along to the customers but anyone buying eggs in a grocery store is already feeling the pain of inflated prices. A question that should be pondered is how this will affect those who utilize deviled eggs for various occasions this spring and summer.

The latest outbreak of the avian flu represents the largest foreign animal disease outbreak in U.S. history, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Late last year, Montana wildlife officials found three young grizzly bears showing signs of severe illness.

As the average price for a dozen eggs has more than doubled since last year, many Americans have turned to backyard chicken coops to recoup the costs and forgo the high grocery store prices.

Public concern is growing regarding the highly pathogenic avian flu and wonder if it will spread and if it can affect humans. Millions of fowl worldwide have died or been culled because of this disease. The bird flu has been on a small scale in the Commonwealth with only 6 cases in backyard fowl and has not affected the commercial industry until now. WDBJ 7 reports that over 25,000 turkeys in Rockingham County have been infected with the disease but does the public need to be concerned?

HELENA, MT. - Three juvenile grizzly bears in Montana have tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, according to the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP).

Americans have been feeling the pinch of rising food prices recently, and eggs have been hit particularly hard. According to figures from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the average cost for a dozen large grade A eggs was $4.25 last month, representing a sharp increase compared to levels seen before an avian flu outbreak that has ravaged farm-raised poultry since early 2021.

The price increases are due to a nationwide shortage attributed in part to the Avian Flu. This article is based on federal postings and accredited media reports. Linked information within this article is attributed to the following outlets:The New York Times, Google.com, and The U.S. Department of Agriculture.

WFXR is reporting that the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke desires local residents to assist with reporting any deceased fowl because they may have died from bird flu. A Bald Eagle was found dead on December 8 at Carvins Cove with no signs of trauma. Later examination determined that the bird died from a contagious influenza that is responsible for more than 50,000 chickens dying or being put down and the price of eggs rising.

Bird flu or avian flu is responsible for the deaths of close to 50,000 chickens which is why egg prices have soared but thankfully Virginia flocks have not been affected. . This disease should not pose a risk to humans but it is important not to touch these dead fowl if you happen upon them. There are reports in some locations of diseased birds falling dead from the sky. A report in June 2022 suggested the danger should be over and humans are not at risk although one individual thus far has been diagnosed with the disease. Virginians, however, should still take precautions.

Many households depend on eggs to eat for breakfast and for baking. However, the price of eggs has shot up to an all-time high. Over the past year, the average price for a carton of eggs has gone up about 68% whether you buy them from your local grocery store or from a local farm.

DENVER, Col. - The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department has raised concerns over the spread of avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu. Officials are warning the public to be vigilant in monitoring symptoms of bird flu. And to report any sightings of dead or sick birds they might encounter in their travels.

The Department of Agriculture blamed Russia for a surge in food prices this Thanksgiving, which has impacted turkeys more. A thanksgiving dinner stock photo.Photo byMonstera / Pexels.

Consumers have been warned that the Ukraine invasion of Russia, which led to massive supply and logistics issues, could impact Thanksgiving dinners in the homes of many families across the country.

After a lull of several months, bird flu has returned to the Midwest earlier than expected. The highly dangerous disease has been found in two commercial flocks of turkeys in western Minnesota and in a hobby flock in Indiana.

HPAI case in Pennsylvania affects Warren County in NJ. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) have confirmed a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) case in a non-commercial backyard poultry flock in Northampton County in Pennsylvania, near its eastern border that will affect Warren County in New Jersey due to the control area radius.

Avian influenza, known informally as avian flu or bird flu, is a variety of influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds. The type with the greatest risk is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Bird flu is similar to swine flu, dog flu, horse flu and human flu as an illness caused by strains of influenza viruses that have adapted to a specific host. Out of the three types of influenza viruses (A, B,and C), influenza A virus is a zoonotic infection with a natural reservoir almost entirely in birds. Avian influenza, for most purposes, refers to the influenza A virus.

Last week, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the presence of bird flu in a commercial pheasant flock in Texas. More than 46 million commercial and backyard poultry birds in 24 states have been impacted by the ongoing outbreak since February, according to the USDA., which makes up more than 10% of the national flock.

A deadly avian influenza outbreak is gripping the East Coast and Midwest as farmers are forced to cull their flocks. Both wild populations and commercial populations are undergoing flock testing to track the spread of the virus. The spread is following flock patterns across the United States. The USDA is warning farmers to increase their bio security and monitor their operations.

Avian flu was detected in a backyard flock in Knox County, Maine. According to an article published by newscentermaine.com, the property on which the highly pathogenic avian virus was detected was quarantined and the infected animals were eliminated to prevent further spread.