Bird Flu Outbreak Drives Egg Prices Higher and Raises Concerns Over Human Health Risks

Massachusetts farms heighten biosecurity measures as H5N1 spreads among birds, while experts warn of potential pandemic risks.

Massachusetts farms are implementing strict biosecurity protocols following suspected H5N1 bird flu cases among wild birds in the state, including in Plymouth and Boston.
The H5N1 strain has infected millions of birds nationwide since 2022, leading to culls and contributing to egg shortages, with prices now averaging over $4 per dozen.
The virus has caused 67 documented human infections and one death in the U.S., though the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low at present.
Federal agencies, including the USDA and CDC, are monitoring the outbreak, but experts criticize the lack of a vaccination program for poultry and the slow response to the epidemic.
While human infections are rare, public health officials caution against direct contact with infected birds and emphasize the importance of cooking poultry products thoroughly to ensure safety.