In what is being dubbed the worst year for bird flu in California, the repercussions are hitting close to home as millions of chickens are lost, leading to egg shortages and unstable prices. The California Poultry Federation has declared 2024 a challenging year for the state's poultry industry, with significant impacts on farmers in Sonoma County, the Bay Area, and the Central Valley.
Bill Mattos, President of the California Poultry Federation, revealed the alarming statistics: "We've lost over three million layer chickens, lots of ducks, and a million chickens for meat already." The Central Valley, particularly places like San Joaquin County, has witnessed a devastating loss of a million and a half egg-laying chickens in just six weeks.
The Central Valley bore the brunt of the outbreak, attributed to ducks carrying the bird flu. Despite the Department of Agriculture's assistance in quarantine and costs when farmers face outbreaks, it remains a challenging situation. Ken Mitchell, a poultry farmer, expressed concerns about the downtime, stating, "If you don't have birds, you aren't making money."
While Mattos believes the Sacramento area will stabilize in the coming months as the market adjusts, the California Poultry Federation anticipiates a price increase over the next month. However, prices are expected to normalize if bird flu can be brought under control.
In a surprising turn, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported bird flu cases not only in poultry but also in wildlife. In Northern California, the virus has been detected in a bobcat, two fisheries, two mountain lions, and a raccoon.
As the poultry industry grapples with the challenges posed by bird flu, consumers may see fluctuations in egg prices and availability in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.
Source: ABC10
