USA: Avian influenza emergency order in Michigan, higher egg prices

The US poultry industry is currently facing a severe outbreak of highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with over 90 million chickens and 9,000 wild birds infected in the past two years, including recent outbreaks in Michigan and dairy cattle. This outbreak has led to the death or culling of over 14 million hens, causing a significant decline in egg production, which is expected to increase egg prices by about 22% in 2024. The outbreak has also resulted in the USDA culling over 8.8 million birds in the last month. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has declared a state of emergency and is implementing measures to address the situation. The outbreak has also affected dairy herds in multiple states, with the USDA confirming infections in 36 dairy herds in 9 states, and the disease spreading through contaminated grass, water, or direct contact. This has resulted in egg prices fluctuating globally, with countries like Japan, Europe, Russia, South Africa, India, Nigeria, Mexico, Norway, and Indonesia experiencing historically high prices due to various factors, including the bird flu in Japan and high demand for eggs as a substitute for expensive meat.