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Bird flu hits Cal-Maine, Post Holdings

December 13, 2023 - from the Vinnews:

"The rapid spread of avian influenza is creating production complications for some of the nation’s biggest food companies.

• "Bird flu has come to roost at major food producers, creating manufacturing complications that could threaten consumer prices.
• "Egg producer Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. said Tuesday it halted production at one of its facilities in Kansas due to the detection of the bird flu. The outbreak affected approximately 684,000 laying hens, or about 1.6% of its total flock.
• "St. Louis-based CPG Post Holdings, meanwhile, said last week its flocks tested positive for the virus at third-party facilities in Iowa and Ohio used for food service products provider Michael Foods. Approximately 4.2 million egg-laying hens were affected, or roughly 10% of Post’s controlled supply of owned and contracted birds.

"The bird flu resurgence has farmers, companies and consumers on edge after what happened to eggs last year.

"For now, an unexpected nosedive in consumer demand for eggs has kept prices low. Wholesale prices for cartoned eggs moved lower the week of Dec. 8, with the USDA noting consumer demand in the immediate, post-Thanksgiving marketing period declined more sharply than either of the two most recent years."