Recently, outbreaks of avian flu have occurred in some areas, exacerbating the issue of egg shortages across the United States and causing egg prices to soar. On the 12th, Democratic leader of the U.S. Senate, Chuck Schumer, warned that the ongoing outbreaks of avian flu could worsen the situation.
Schumer stated that if the federal government ceases its support for farms during the avian flu outbreak, the prices of eggs and other food items may further rise. Currently, the federal government has allocated over $300 million to address the avian flu crisis through biosecurity measures. Schumer emphasized that these funds are crucial for controlling the epidemic.
According to Schumer, avian flu has caused a significant increase in egg prices in New York City. At supermarkets like Stop & Shop in Maspeth, a dozen large eggs are selling for $5.49, while organic eggs at Trader Joe’s in the Upper East Side of Manhattan are priced as high as $6.99. In Shoprite at Hylan Plaza on Staten Island, the store brand Bowl & Basket eggs of similar specification are priced at $6.49. In comparison, the national average egg price is $3.65.
Schumer pointed out that the current average egg price in the entire United States is $3.65, but New York City residents are facing egg prices far above this level.
Schumer urged the new government and Congress to continue supporting farms in dealing with avian flu. He emphasized that federal response measures such as disease monitoring, laboratory testing, and hygiene management are crucial in containing the epidemic and called on relevant agencies such as the USDA, HHS, CDC to maintain their efforts. He also suggested that additional funding should be allocated as needed to address the epidemic, to prevent further exacerbation of consumers’ life pressures due to price increases.
According to CDC data, from January 2022 to January 6, 2025, avian flu has affected over 130 million poultry in the United States. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that the federal government will continue to ensure that epidemic response measures are robust and adequately resourced to contain the impact of the epidemic on agriculture and food prices.
“We do not want chaos in the agricultural industry. We and farmers both desire stability,” emphasized Schumer. “Therefore, I urge the federal government and relevant departments to continue using allocated funds and actively seek more resources when necessary, because rising egg prices mean rising grocery prices, directly impacting consumers’ burdens on other living expenses such as rent and fuel costs.”