Easter is this Sunday and the average cost for a dozen eggs is nearing three dollars.
“Shell eggs rose to $2.88 a dozen, up 52% since February 8th,” said Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who says that figure comes from the USDA.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, the major reason for the price spike is an outbreak of avian flu that has affected 24 states and more than 46 million birds. Strain says measures and guidelines are in place to help stem the tide.
“Safety measures include not sharing equipment between farms, keeping it disinfected, workers showering and putting on clean clothing and boots before interacting with their flock,” said Strain.
Strain hopes these safety measures can prevent an even bigger outbreak.
“Hoping as when the warmer temperatures come and the ducks stop migrating south that this will stop before we lose more than 100-million birds,” said Strain.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that bird flu does not infect people.
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