California Bird Flu Outbreak Impacts 1.3 Million Laying Hens Ahead of Holiday Season
A bird flu outbreak in California has affected approximately 1.3 million laying hens, according to USDA data. This incident, confirmed on October 28, follows an earlier outbreak on October 19 that impacted 934,600 birds in Illinois. The timing of these outbreaks is particularly critical as they occur just before the holiday baking rush, a period of high demand for eggs from bakeries, retailers, and food manufacturers. The seasonal migration of birds typically leads to an increase in such outbreak detections. The USDA's October Food Price Outlook had previously projected a 29.3% decrease in retail egg prices from 2025 to 2026, alongside a 1.2% increase in poultry prices. However, regional outbreaks can disrupt these broader trends, leading to localized shortages and price volatility.
