EGGxtraordinary Conspiracies?

By Arielle Hardy

​With the recent prices of eggs going up to $8 a dozen, consumers all across the nation are left wondering, what is the cause for such a price increase? While many media outlets are blaming the avian flu, other chicken owners with backyard flocks have been reporting that their flocks have not been laying eggs at all since last fall. Some owners are blaming the feed sold by Tractor Supply stores, comparing production to poultry owners who bought local feed, and saw no difference in egg production. 

In regard to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) according the the USDA website, as of January 27, 2023, nationwide there have been only 27 cases of confirmed flocks within the last 30 days, and .38 Million birds affected, as opposed to December at 5.07 Million, or November at 3.75 Million. As of January 19, 2023 the USDA reports that California has had zero commercial flocks affected by the outbreak, and five backyard flocks affected, but somehow total 29,756 birds affected, as if each “backyard flock” would have almost six thousand birds and are considered “backyard?” (However that math adds up.)

If that is the case, with the large amount of egg producers in California, one would look back to the supply and cost of feed. Could the two be linked? Could it be possible that a source of feed that has been distributed throughout the country is somehow linked to both? Is it possible that central locations where people go to buy feed (like Tractor Supply) would be sources of cross contamination from peoples shoes? Why are some states not affected at all?
I would also like to bring forth the question of genetic modification of hatcheries from the sources of poultry breeders. Could it be possible that giant corporations want to control the food supply so much that they would go to the extent of invoking fear into poultry owners and consumers, and then as a ditch-all effort, genetically modify the chicken breeds themselves so they lay less eggs? This would not be the first time we have seen such manipulation with our food supply. 
If HPAI can be transmitted to flocks, what are the patterns of the flocks being affected? Are the owners visiting a local lake and wearing the same boots into the backyard/barnyard? What can you do if you have poultry of your own? Here are some extra safety precautions you can take to help prevent any cross contamination into your flock.

1. Have a Dedicated Pair of “Muck” Boots

This not only helps you to prevent any cross contamination from the bottom of your shoes that you could have picked up from public places (think grocery stores, gas stations, feed stores, parks, or another barnyard) but it also helps to prevent you from tracking in any bacteria that could be in the barn from coming into the house.

1. Wash Shoes Regularly and Wear Protectors

Since HPAI can be linked to wild birds; lakes, rivers, and even parks and trails may have dropping that can be brought back on the bottoms. Filling a shallow tray of soapy water tall just high enough to submerge the soles can be an easy way to have a quick clean. The tray can even be left by the front door during warm months for a few days, which makes for less cleanup hassle. Another option (that I recommend anytime you are visiting another farm, and I was surprised no one was wearing them at the Ag and Art day last year) is to wear protection over your shoes. This can be as simple as plastic bags and rubber bands covering your shoes that you can easily turn inside out and throw away.

1. Keep the Coop Area Clean and Have a Covered Run

For a number of health reasons, it’s always important to keep the coop as clean as possible, especially in cooler, winter months. Having a covered, fully enclosed poultry run not only adds another defense against predators, but helps to prevent wild birds from being able to contaminate a portion of where the birds spend time, and to stay out of your bird's food and water. If a run is not a viable option, a sun cloth covering the outside area may be a good alternative.

While I would like to see more factual evidence of “Avian Flu” causing large companies to process mass amounts of chicken, I will also be further researching the feed and egg production. Backyard flock owners need to take all possible precautions to help themselves be aware, in order to be as self-sufficient as possible, and as new truths become revealed, even more questions rise to the surface. 




1. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks