Even though Arizona farms were not hard hit by avian flu, the impact of the virus is being felt here, as it is across the country.
The Arizona Farm Bureau Federation said the cost of eggs is up more than $1 over the last three months to $3.23 per dozen. That’smore than twice what eggs cost five years ago.
Farm Bureau spokeswoman Julie Murphree said it’s a simple issue of supply and demand after tens of millions of laying hens had to be destroyed because of bird flu and she said shoppers should not be deterred by sticker shock.
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“It's still one of the most economical forms of protein that you can get, even at double the price,” Murphre said.
Murphree said restaurants will likely be hit hardest, but prices should turn around before long since young chicks mature quickly. But, she said the impact of bird flu could be felt this Thanksgiving, since millions of turkeys also had to be destroyed, too.