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Avian Influenza H5N1 outbreak in eastern US raises concerns; egg prices rising

By Jeff Ishee, On the Farm Radio


Mount Sidney, Virginia / January 17, 2025 - The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus continues to spread across the eastern United States this winter, affecting both wild birds and commercial poultry. On Thursday, January 16, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported the virus was detected in a commercial chicken flock in Accomack County, VA. The affected farm was quarantined and the flock was scheduled for immediate depopulation to prevent further spread of the virus.



As of January 17, the USDA confirms HPAI has been detected in 48 commercial flocks and 50 backyard flocks in the United States. This represents 11.16 million birds nationwide.  Image credit - USDA
As of January 17, the USDA confirms HPAI has been detected in 48 commercial flocks and 50 backyard flocks in the United States. This represents 11.16 million birds nationwide. Image credit - USDA


This marks the latest case in the eastern United States, following other confirmed discoveries found in the region.

  • On January 9, USDA reported a case of H5N1 in a commercial chicken flock (194,800 birds) in Kent County, Delaware.

  • In Darke County, Ohio, a commercial flock of 245,000 table-egg laying hens was found positive with HPAI on January 14.

  • In Hyde County, North Carolina, the USDA reported on January 7 that a commercial table egg layer operation was hit with avian flu, resulting in the depopulation of 3.3 million hens.


Research seems to indicate the disease is being spread by migrating, wild waterfowl.


Industry analysts say the outbreak of avian flu is causing a significant increase in retail egg prices. It is not uncommon to find egg prices in grocery stores have risen by 50% over the past few months. The general consensus seems to be that American consumers can expect continued increases in retail egg prices until the situation is brought under control.


Avian flu has also been found in numerous commercial turkey farms this winter, specifically in Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio according to the USDA.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor the situation closely. Although the risk to the general public remains low, people with job-related or recreational exposures to infected animals are at increased risk. Efforts are underway to develop a universal flu vaccine that could protect against a range of flu strains, including H5N1.


Public health officials continue to work diligently to track and respond to the virus, aiming to minimize its impact on both animal and human health.



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