Farms across the country are ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of bird flu as outbreaks have resulted in the loss of nearly 150 million birds since 2022. Tracy Shane, a livestock specialist, warns of the ease with which the highly pathogenic influenza can be transmitted from wild bird populations to domestic poultry.
The shortage of eggs and anticipated increase in chicken prices are expected due to the impact of the bird flu. This has already put pressure on restaurants like Eggworks and Egg & I in Las Vegas as egg prices rise.
While there have been three herds of dairy cattle and some birds in Nevada affected by the bird flu, the health risk to humans remains low with only 67 reported cases and one death in 2024.
To help address the egg shortage, the Nevada Department of Agriculture is working with lawmakers to allow the sale of non-cage free eggs, after the state banned the sale of eggs from caged hens in 2021. Farmers are advised to increase biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
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