A supply chain expert at the University of Arizona says 2025 is the third consecutive year that bird flu is affecting commercial farming in the state. But the current outbreak is the first one he’s seen labeled an "animal disease emergency" by state officials.
State agriculture officials have not fulfilled a request to define the emergency phrase applied to outbreaks six days apart at two unidentified commercial farms in Maricopa County, which affected an unknown number of egg laying hens.
Ken Gyure teaches supply chain management at UA’s Eller College of Management. He said the impact to consumers depends on how many birds got sick or were exposed and if outbreaks spread.
“Don’t panic. These things get worked through and things will get better. So don’t go buy three cases of eggs,” Gyure said.
If imports replace eggs lost due to bird flu, Gyure said consumers should expect to pay more because the supply line will grow more expensive.
