New crop insurance updates offer tailored coverage against unpredictable weather and rising input costs, supporting diverse farming practices.
The U.S. poultry industry is facing yet another serious challenge as a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to spread across several states. Millions of birds have already been culled in an effort to contain the disease, leading to widespread disruption in poultry supply chains, rising consumer prices, and growing concern among farmers and industry experts.
Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects wild and domestic birds. Certain strains, particularly H5N1 and H7N9, are considered highly pathogenic, meaning they spread rapidly and have a high mortality rate among poultry. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, or even via airborne particles in some cases.
Although avian flu rarely infects humans, it poses a major threat to food systems, economies, and animal welfare.
As of early April 2025, states such as Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri have reported major outbreaks. The USDA confirmed that over 8 million birds—primarily laying hens and turkeys—have been culled to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Egg and poultry farms are especially vulnerable due to the close quarters in which birds are housed, making containment both difficult and urgent. Infected flocks must be euthanized immediately as per USDA protocols, resulting in devastating losses for farmers.
The outbreak is already having a noticeable effect on the availability and price of poultry products. Egg prices have surged, in some places doubling within weeks. Turkey and chicken prices are also climbing, especially in regions most affected by the outbreak.
Consumers may start to see shortages or higher prices at grocery stores, particularly for eggs, deli meats, and frozen poultry. Restaurants and food producers reliant on these ingredients are also adjusting their menus and sourcing strategies to cope with the rising costs.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is coordinating closely with state agencies and farm operators to control the spread. Measures include quarantine zones, enhanced biosecurity on farms, and continuous surveillance of both domestic and wild bird populations.
Poultry producers are being advised to increase their biosecurity efforts—disinfecting equipment, controlling farm access, and monitoring flocks for any signs of illness. While vaccines for avian flu are under development, they are not yet widely used in commercial poultry farming in the U.S.
This latest outbreak underscores the vulnerability of modern food systems to disease outbreaks. It also highlights the importance of strong disease monitoring, quick response efforts, and long-term strategies for risk reduction.
For consumers, the best response is awareness and support. Buying local, being patient with price fluctuations, and understanding the challenges farmers face can go a long way in ensuring resilience across the food supply chain.
As the industry navigates this crisis, one thing is clear: protecting animal health is directly linked to protecting food security.
New crop insurance updates offer tailored coverage against unpredictable weather and rising input costs, supporting diverse farming practices.
Avian flu outbreak leads to millions of birds culled, causing poultry supply disruptions and price hikes across the U.S. Learn what’s happening and why.