chicken hens (Photo : Reuters)
A new bird flu outbreak is rapidly spreading throughout the United States, creating a major egg shortage. The avian flu epidemic, which has infected 8 percent of chicken hens, has resulted in nationwide price hikes and some egg rationing.
The current situation has become a national crisis. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that around 46 million chickens and turkeys have been infected by avian influenza.
A skyrocketing egg shortage is starting to have a big impact on consumers. The oval food is significantly less available for breakfasts, sandwiches, and baking.
A bird flu outbreak and sharp drop in the nationwide egg supply have resulted in drastic price increases. A USDA report shared that the average price for one dozen eggs has almost doubled since the end of May, according to New York Daily News.
Prices are also up 75 percent from 2014. U.S. consumes will likely pay $7.5 billion to $8 billion more to purchase eggs this year.
H-E-B is a supermarket chain with about 350 nationwide stores. It recently posted signs in Texas locations requesting a three carton-limit, and noting that the eggs were "not for commercial sale."
The major grocery store chain made an official statement on Thursday regarding the U.S. egg supply drop caused by the avian flu. It explained that the store signs wanted to prevent bulk purchases of eggs, according to Empire State Tribune.
This current bird flu outbreak has resulted in the first U.S. food rationing since World War II. Purchase limits were placed on everyday items including coffee, sugar, cheese, meats, and canned milk.
