OHIO — Poultry items are increasing in price not only from inflation but also from the bird flu.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the national average for a large dozen of eggs is $2.50; last year it was $1.60.
Inflation is a part of the increase, but so is the bird flu we told you all about back in March, which has since entered the state of Ohio.
News Center 7 Kayla McDermott spoke with Jim Chakeres with the Ohio Poultry Association on how farms in the state are dealing with the virus.
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“A couple of weeks ago, there was one case that was positive in Franklin County, just outside of Columbus, it was a backyard noncommercial flock, very small, with 15 birds,” said Chakeres.
The same could not be said for the rest of the country, as the USDA reports millions of birds have had to be euthanized from the virus.
With the fear of rising prices, some may try buying chicks to get their eggs. However, Chakeres warns owning chickens is not easy.
“You think you’re going to be saving money, but you’re not. You know, feed is expensive, you know, there’s veterinary care,” Chakeres said. “We also have to think about food safety, because all of our commercial farms have steps in place that you know, protect the birds, but also protect the consumer.”