The second-biggest egg producer in the US, Rose Acre Farms, recently acknowledged several avian flu-related fatalities at its Indiana plant.
The facility at Rose Acre Farms in Seymour, Indiana, has now fallen prey to the most current outbreak of bird flu, which has been on the rise in the United States in recent years. The farm was recently tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also referred to as bird flu, according to the Indianapolis Star. On January 25, a number of birds began to die, prompting the testing. This most recent information follows the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ December 2024 confirmation that HPAI was the cause of death for Gibson County waterfowl.
Is Bird Flu Dangerous to Humans?
The HPAI A(H5N1) virus has affected numerous wild bird species since 2022, including terrestrial, seabird, shorebird, and migratory birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human infections, however, are incredibly uncommon; only a small number of instances are reported annually. According to the CDC, there is little risk to the general public; the major people who are at higher risk are those who have close, unprotected contact with diseased birds or polluted settings.
How Important is Rose Acre Farms to Egg Production in the U.S.?
Rose Acre Farms is a top supplier of table eggs, including brown and white eggs, according to their website. The business also makes a number of egg products from domestic chickens, including fresh, pasteurized liquid eggs. With fields spread across seven states, Rose Acre fields has been the second-largest producer in the United States since the 1930s. They informed the Indianapolis Star that they have expertise with avian flu and know what to do to prevent its spread.
What Does the Bird Flu Outbreak Mean for Egg Prices?
The cost of eggs is skyrocketing, and this trend is probably going to last long into the new year. Similar to the previous significant outbreak in 2023, when eggs averaged $4.82 a dozen, prices are already hitting all-time highs. Retail egg prices will continue to fluctuate month-to-month and are predicted to rise by a total of 20.3%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2025 food price prediction. The CDC website provides the most recent information on avian flu.
