The number of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases in the U.S. are outpacing the 2014/2015 outbreak. However, the American Farm Bureau Federation says the higher numbers might be attributed to improvements in detection and reporting protocols.
Farm Bureau economists found as of April 7, there have been more than 600 detections of HPAI in wild birds across 31 states, and 158 detections in commercial and backyard flocks across 25 states.
The 2014/2015 outbreak prompted revisions to the National HPAI Surveillance Plan, which has led to heightened annual surveillance plans, providing poultry producers earlier notice to increase their biosecurity measures. AFBF economists analyzed HPAI detections in commercial flocks and found the Mississippi flyway is the most impacted, with 49 percent of detections.
While HPAI has affected the laying hen population, inventory of eggs is actually 38 percent higher in 2022 than during the same time in 2015. Eggs should be found easily in the grocery store for Easter and Passover celebrations, but prices will be higher.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)