Egg-laying hens suffered the most when a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) devastated chicken flocks last year. One factor contributing to the sharp increase in egg prices was the virus. However, this year the virus started out slowly, which allowed the supply of eggs to increase again.
In February 2022, the United States was hit by the current HPAI outbreak, which devastated poultry farms throughout the nation. Approximately 60 million birds had died as a result of the virus by the end of last year. The current count stands at roughly 68 million, indicating that the disease has slowed down but is still present in 2023.
Following a largely virus-free start to the year, the number of cases began to rise in the fall. In the past month, Iowa farms have killed over 2. 8 million birds this season due to the virus. Earlier in November, an Ohio egg farm slaughtered over 1. 3 million birds because of the flu.
Chief of Ohio’s Division of Animal Health and State Veterinarian Dennis Summers told CNN that “nationally, we are seeing an uptick, again, in some commercial premises across the US.”
As wild birds migrate south this fall, the deadly flu has been spreading throughout the United States. The virus can be brought into commercial operations if they land and mix with backyard flocks or if their droppings are dragged into chicken coops, he clarified. To stop the sickness from spreading, the entire flock is destroyed when that occurs.
According to Summers, the fall migration season lasts until roughly the end of the year. Thus, the events of the next month or so will help determine the course of the virus this year and the number of additional farms that are impacted.
Summers stated, “All we’re hoping for is to hang on and get through this until [the flu] mutates to a non-pathogenic form.” “And then we can go from there. ”.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and of course turkey. However, in 2022, many Americans found themselves facing a Thanksgiving turkey shortage due to a combination of factors, including avian influenza and inflation. So, what can we expect for Thanksgiving 2023? Will there be another shortage, or will there be plenty of turkeys to go around?
No Shortage Expected for Thanksgiving 2023:
The good news is that experts do not anticipate a turkey shortage for Thanksgiving 2023. While avian influenza and inflation are still concerns, they are not expected to have the same impact on turkey production as they did in 2022.
Factors Contributing to the 2022 Shortage:
- Avian Influenza: The 2022 avian influenza outbreak was one of the worst in history, leading to the culling of millions of turkeys. This significantly reduced the available supply of turkeys for Thanksgiving.
- Inflation: Inflation drove up the price of turkeys, making them less affordable for some consumers.
Why There Won’t Be a Shortage in 2023:
- Improved Avian Influenza Situation: The avian influenza situation has improved significantly since 2022. The number of birds affected by the virus has decreased, and there are now fewer restrictions on turkey production.
- Lower Inflation: Inflation has started to cool down, which means that turkey prices are not expected to be as high as they were in 2022.
Tips for Finding a Thanksgiving Turkey in 2023:
- Start Shopping Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your turkey. Start shopping a few weeks before Thanksgiving to ensure you have a wide selection to choose from.
- Consider Smaller Turkeys: If you’re having a smaller gathering, consider buying a smaller turkey. This will save you money and reduce the amount of leftovers you have.
- Check Local Grocery Stores and Butcher Shops: In addition to large grocery stores, check local butcher shops for turkeys. They may have a wider variety of turkeys to choose from, including heritage breeds.
- Order Online: Many online retailers sell turkeys. This can be a convenient option, especially if you live in a rural area.
While there was a Thanksgiving turkey shortage in 2022, there is no reason to believe that there will be another shortage in 2023. However, it’s still a good idea to start shopping early and consider your options to ensure you have the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving feast.
Additional Considerations:
- Price: Turkey prices are expected to be lower in 2023 than they were in 2022. However, prices may still vary depending on the size and type of turkey you choose.
- Quality: Look for a turkey that is fresh and has no signs of damage. If you’re buying a frozen turkey, make sure it has been thawed properly.
- Cooking Tips: Be sure to cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat. There are many different ways to cook a turkey, so choose a method that you’re comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why was there a turkey shortage in 2022?
The turkey shortage in 2022 was caused by a combination of factors, including avian influenza and inflation.
- Will there be a turkey shortage in 2023?
No, experts do not anticipate a turkey shortage in 2023.
- Where can I find a Thanksgiving turkey in 2023?
You can find Thanksgiving turkeys at most grocery stores, butcher shops, and online retailers.
- How much will a Thanksgiving turkey cost in 2023?
Turkey prices are expected to be lower in 2023 than they were in 2022, but prices may still vary depending on the size and type of turkey you choose.
- How do I cook a Thanksgiving turkey?
There are many different ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. Be sure to cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- What are some tips for finding a Thanksgiving turkey in 2023?
Start shopping early, consider smaller turkeys, check local grocery stores and butcher shops, and order online.
- What are some additional considerations for Thanksgiving turkey in 2023?
Consider the price, quality, and cooking tips.
- What are some frequently asked questions about Thanksgiving turkey in 2023?
The most frequently asked questions are listed above.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional or other expert for any questions you may have regarding Thanksgiving turkey or any other health-related matter.
Egg supplies stay strong
There are plenty of eggs this year, despite the fact that egg farms have culled millions of chickens, according to Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, a farmer-funded organization committed to raising the demand for eggs in the United States.
“We’ve seen some small-scale outbreaks so far on a few egg farms,” she said. “Supply is strong, there’s plenty of eggs.” According to the USDA, egg production was up 4% in October compared to last year.
Prices have decreased, falling by roughly 22% in the 2012 months through October, as egg supplies have rebounded, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As of right now, a large number of the egg farms where the virus was found—and the birds killed—have concentrated on selling whites and yolks to food manufacturers rather than shell eggs to supermarkets, according to Ryan Hojnowski, an egg market analyst and reporter for Urner Barry, a publication that documents the market.
Considering these elements, prices are not likely to soar once more. Hojnowski stated, “As of right now, this second, it doesn’t seem like there’s a catalyst that is pointing toward a price action being anything like it was last year.” Still, he said, it’s a “very fluid situation. ”.
However, price increases for turkey are imminent.
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Fear & Greed Index
Thus, while morning will probably continue to be inexpensive, prepare for increasingly costly turkey sandwiches.
Egg-laying hens suffered the most when a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) devastated chicken flocks last year. One factor contributing to the sharp increase in egg prices was the virus. However, this year the virus started out slowly, which allowed the supply of eggs to increase again.
The current outbreak of HPAI hit the United States in February 2022, and ripped through poultry farms across the country. By the end of last year, about 60 million birds had been killed because of the virus. Today, the total tally is up to about 68 million, a sign that the disease has slowed, but not disappeared, in 2023.
Following a largely virus-free start to the year, the number of cases began to rise in the fall. In the past month, Iowa farms have killed over 2. 8 million birds this season due to the virus. Earlier in November, an Ohio egg farm slaughtered over 1. 3 million birds because of the flu.
Chief of Ohio’s Division of Animal Health and State Veterinarian Dennis Summers told CNN that “nationally, we are seeing an uptick, again, in some commercial premises across the US.”
As wild birds migrate south this fall, the deadly flu has been spreading throughout the United States. The virus can be brought into commercial operations if they land and mix with backyard flocks or if their droppings are dragged into chicken coops, he clarified. To stop the sickness from spreading, the entire flock is destroyed when that occurs.
According to Summers, the fall migration season lasts until roughly the end of the year. Thus, the events of the next month or so will help determine the course of the virus this year and the number of additional farms that are impacted.
Summers stated, “All we’re hoping for is to hang on and get through this until [the flu] mutates to a non-pathogenic form.” “And then we can go from there. ”.