Owing to an outbreak of bird flu, tens of millions of birds had to be killed in the United States. Infections have been suffered by 10% of all egg-laying hens. The situation has led to rise of egg prices, but Senator Charles Schumer has to say that the situation could become even worse if a round of proposed budget cuts goes through.

The cost of eggs had almost increased to double in the last month. Schumer has called for eliminating proposed cuts of $500 million to the US Department of Agriculture.

“Here's what the USDA's program does. First, it's funding to help pay for a vaccination against bird flu so the birds will never get it. Second, it's used for bio-security measures, to help poultry owners stop the spread”, says Schumer.

He said approval for cuts will only undermine the efforts to stop the spread of the disease. As a result, prices of egg will only go up. Since the epidemic has started, nearly 48 million birds have been killed.

In a news conference Sunday outside a Manhattan supermarket, Schumer said prices of egg are nearly 50% up this year because of bird flu.

For the proposal to cut $500 million from a USDA fund, Schumer said it’s one of the dumbest moves being made by Washington. They are slashing a program that is required to stop the bird flu spread. The New York Democrat said that chances are high to see a slash in vaccination development and bio security measures.