In response to significant egg shortages in the United States caused by a severe outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Turkey has initiated the export of approximately 15,000 metric tons of eggs to the U.S. This measure aims to stabilize the U.S. egg market, which has been disrupted by the loss of millions of laying hens due to the virus.
Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union (YUM-BIR) in Turkey, announced that shipments commenced in February and are scheduled to continue through July. “The export will take place through our member companies with the required authorizations, while two firms will coordinate the process,” Afyon stated. The total export volume is expected to reach 15,000 metric tons, equivalent to 700 containers.
The HPAI outbreak, which began affecting U.S. poultry in 2022, has led to the culling of approximately 162 million birds, including chickens and turkeys, across 17 states. This has resulted in egg shortages and increased prices, prompting U.S. companies to seek alternative import markets. Negotiations with Turkish producers have culminated in this export agreement, anticipated to generate around $26 million in revenue for Turkey.
Chad Gregory, CEO of United Egg Producers, a cooperative representing U.S. egg farmers, expressed support for the initiative: “We support the temporary import of egg products to help ease the strain on the U.S. egg supply.”
In parallel, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to rebuild its stockpile of bird flu vaccines … . The agency has granted a conditional license to animal … for a vaccine intended for chickens; however, the USDA has not yet authorized its use.
This collaborative effort between Turkey and the United States aims to mitigate the impact of the avian influenza outbreak on the U.S. egg … chain, ensuring consumers have continued access to this staple food product.
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