As Prices Climb, Turkey To Supply US With 15,000 Tons Of Eggs

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Turkey has started exporting 15,000 tons of eggs to the United States amid a severe bird flu outbreak that has disrupted U.S. production and driven up prices, a leading industry official said February 19.

The outbreak has significantly reduced egg supplies, forcing grocery stores to ration stock and restaurants to raise prices on egg-based dishes. The shipments, for which the US will spend $26 million began this month and will continue until July, Reuters said.

The U.S. has been battling bird flu since its detection in Texas dairy cattle last March. The virus has since spread to more than 970 herds across 17 states and infected nearly 70 people, primarily farm workers exposed to infected animals. Since the poultry outbreak began in 2022, about 162 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been lost, worsening the egg shortage.

With domestic production struggling to meet demand, U.S. companies have turned to international suppliers, leading to negotiations with Turkish producers. Turkey ranks among the world’s top 10 egg exporters