Abdelrahman
PHOENIX – A leading egg producer in Arizona believes that administering vaccinations to chickens against avian influenza could help reduce egg prices. However, the federal government has not yet approved this approach.
“It’s incredibly frustrating because we know this strategy could work,” stated Glenn Hickman, president and CEO of Hickman’s Family Farms, based in Buckeye, during an interview on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos on Tuesday. “Yet, we are unable to persuade the federal authorities to authorize the vaccine necessary to immunize our flocks.”
Hickman pointed out that several European nations are successfully using U.S.-produced vaccines on their chickens, ducks, and turkeys to manage avian flu outbreaks.
“We have the capability to implement this,” he emphasized. “We already vaccinate for various poultry illnesses. It wouldn’t pose much of a challenge. We could commence as soon as we receive governmental approval.”
What Challenges Do Egg Farmers Face in Preventing Avian Flu?
Egg production facilities adhere to stringent protocols to protect their birds from the H5 avian flu, a virus often transmitted by wild birds.
“We don’t allow wild birds into our facilities,” Hickman explained. “However, the external birds contribute to the problem by contaminating the dust or ground with droppings. … The virus enters our buildings when we draw in outside air.”
He noted that thoroughly filtering air isn’t a feasible solution due to the size of the facilities, leaving vaccination as the most effective option that remains unavailable to him.
Why Are Egg Prices Rising?
According to Hickman, the egg industry has suffered a 12% loss from its population of 40 million birds due to the avian flu since December. This significant drop in egg-laying hens has led to a severe shortage and unprecedented price hikes in the market.
When an outbreak occurs in a flock, the common practice is to cull the entire group to prevent further infection. Hickman’s egg farm in Maricopa has lost 1.1 million chickens due to the flu.
“After losing such a considerable number of birds in a short timeframe, our industry struggles to quickly increase egg production or replenish our flocks,” he elaborated.
As a result, the average price of a dozen Grade A eggs soared to $4.95 in January, surpassing the previous high of $4.82 recorded two years ago. In some areas, prices for a dozen eggs may exceed $10, especially for premium varieties like organic and cage-free eggs.
Moreover, certain retailers are facing challenges maintaining adequate stock on their shelves.
Sen. Ruben Gallego Supports Chicken Vaccination Efforts
Hickman finds some ally in Washington concerning the need for poultry vaccinations: Democratic U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego.
Donald Trump is doing NOTHING to fix egg prices and shortages, so I’m assuming he doesn’t know where to start… I’ll offer some help. pic.twitter.com/ZySMnYr3RE
— Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) February 11, 2025
On Tuesday, the freshman senator from Phoenix shared a video via social media calling on President Donald Trump to address rising egg prices by permitting vaccinations for chickens.
“The solution is straightforward. President Trump should authorize vaccines for chickens against bird flu, which would ultimately help mitigate the escalating egg prices. … Until then, we might have to brace ourselves for these prices for some time,” Gallego remarked.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
