The very first case of avian flu was reported in Oregon in December last year. The second case was reported in January this year in Washington, while the third case was documented just six days later. After that, a number of cases were seen in the country before the January’s end.

At that time, US farmers were not familiar with the avian flu. In February, there were just three cases of avian flu. But today, there are many cases related to the flu. After the first case, the H5N2, strain of bird flu, spread like wildfire. A number of owners though the Midwest saw that the flu affected their chickens. The bird flu has become a cause of gloomy shadow over the egg industry in the country. There are reports that the epidemic could make eggs a lot more expensive.

Oscar Garrison, director of food safety for United Egg Producers, said that the bird flu has affected many famers through the Midwest. The flu has been absolutely devastating, Garrison added.

According to the reports of the Department of Agriculture, the flu has affected more than 40 million turkeys and chickens. About 80% of the affected birds are egg-laying hens. So, there are possibilities that the flu is going to affect the egg market of the United States. About 25 million birds in Iowa alone are thought to have been exposed, as per the reports. The outbreak has affected about 10% of the egg supply of the country.

Garrison said, “It is hard to find a farmer that isn't deeply concerned at the moment.” Price spikes have already happened. In April, the price of eggs sold in liquid form was $1.50 per dozen. Previously, the price was $0.63 per dozen.