US inflation rate surprises economists with a sharp increase, coinciding with the ongoing bird flu epidemic that has ravaged egg production and led to soaring prices.
Thieves have stolen over 100,000 eggs worth £32,000 from a single grocer in the US state of Pennsylvania.
The heist targeted the back of a lorry at Pete & Gerry’s Organics in Greencastle on February 1st.
The price of eggs has surged more than 65% in the last year, according to US government data.
The agriculture department predicted a 20% increase in egg prices by 2025.
Amid this unexpected rise, Waffle House has introduced a $.50 surcharge for customers per egg.
The recent egg price surge has left many consumers scrambling to afford this staple food item.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, egg prices have risen by over 50% in the past year alone.
Factors contributing to the increase include rising feed costs, avian influenza outbreaks, and increased demand for eggs due to the 'COVID-19 pandemic'.
As a result, many low-income households are struggling to access this essential nutrient.
The situation has sparked concerns about food security and inequality.
The bird flu epidemic started in 2022 and has led to outbreaks across the US in recent months.
The agriculture department reported that prices increased by more than 8% in December alone.
Data shows that the average price for a carton of eggs was $2.51 in December 2023, rising to $4.15 a year later.
The bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral disease that affects birds and can be transmitted to humans.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been over 860 reported cases of human infection with the H5N1 virus since 2003, resulting in 441 deaths.
The disease is highly contagious among birds and can cause severe respiratory symptoms in humans.
Outbreaks have occurred in several countries, including China, Indonesia, and Egypt.
Vaccination and public health measures are essential to control the spread of the disease.
The bird flu epidemic has not only affected egg prices but also reports of bare shelves in some stores.
The infection has been reported in birds, cattle, and mammals across the US, although human cases are extremely rare.
A bird flu outbreak occurs when a strain of the influenza A virus affects birds, often causing high mortality rates.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), avian influenza viruses have been detected in over 60 countries worldwide.
The most common strain is H5N1, which has caused significant economic losses and public health concerns.
Symptoms in birds include respiratory distress, diarrhea, and sudden death.
Humans can contract bird flu through close contact with infected birds or their contaminated droppings.
