Have New Cases of Bird Flu at Poultry Farms in S. Korea Caused Egg Prices to Soar?
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Synopsis
South Korea is experiencing a surge in bird flu cases affecting poultry farms, with the total reaching 24. This alarming situation has led to significant increases in egg prices, raising concerns about supply disruptions. As the country takes measures to control the outbreak, consumers may face higher costs for eggs in the coming days.
Key Takeaways
- Two new cases of avian influenza reported in South Korea.
- Total cases this season have reached 24.
- Egg prices have surged significantly, raising concerns over supply disruptions.
- Authorities are culling affected poultry and restricting farm access.
- 3 million egg-laying hens have been culled this winter.
Seoul, Dec 27 (NationPress) South Korea has reported two new instances of highly pathogenic avian influenza at poultry farms, increasing the total count of cases this season to 24, according to officials on Saturday.
The most recent case was detected at a chicken farm in the Yeongam county, located 380 kilometers south of Seoul, which houses about 33,000 chickens, as per the Central Disaster Management Headquarters, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Additionally, on late Friday, the city of Asan, situated around 85 km south of Seoul, also confirmed a case of influenza at another chicken farm.
Authorities have imposed restrictions on farm access, commenced the culling of infected animals, and launched investigations into the outbreak.
A temporary standstill order has been implemented on relevant facilities and farming vehicles in the affected regions, the officials stated.
In the meantime, egg prices have risen sharply, with industry data indicating a surge earlier this week, raising alarms about potential supply disruptions due to the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.
As of last week, the average retail price for a carton of 30 large eggs surpassed 7,000 won (approximately US$4.83), according to data from the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation. Prices had previously lingered around the 6,000-won range before spiking again above 7,000 won.
Data from the statistics ministry revealed that egg prices increased by 7.3 percent in September compared to the previous year, surpassing the 5.3 percent rise in overall livestock product prices.
Earlier this week, the country reported three additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, raising the season's total infections to 21.
This winter season has seen 11 outbreaks at egg-laying hen farms, nearly double the cases recorded during the same period last year.
The agriculture ministry noted that around 3 million egg-laying hens have been culled this winter due to confirmed outbreaks.
South Korea produces approximately 50 million eggs daily, and the culling is projected to have diminished output by about 3 to 4 percent.
Point of View
I emphasize the necessity for public awareness regarding the avian influenza outbreak in South Korea. The implications on poultry supply and rising egg prices are significant, urging us to remain vigilant and informed. Our commitment is to keep the nation updated with reliable information as this situation unfolds.
NationPress
27/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that can infect both birds and humans. It is highly contagious among birds and can lead to severe health issues and mortality.
How does bird flu affect egg prices?
Outbreaks of bird flu can lead to the culling of infected poultry, resulting in a decreased supply of eggs, which subsequently drives up prices.
What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
Authorities have restricted access to affected farms, initiated culling of infected birds, and implemented temporary standstill orders on farming operations in impacted areas.
How many egg-laying hens have been culled this season?
Approximately 3 million egg-laying hens have been culled this winter due to confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza.
What are the current egg prices in South Korea?
The average retail price for a carton of 30 large eggs has recently exceeded 7,000 won (about US$4.83).
