Largest US fresh egg producer halts production at Texas plant after Bird Flu Found in Chickens
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Largest US fresh egg producer halts production at Texas plant after Bird Flu Found in Chickens
Loveworld / 6 hours
April 9, 2024
1 min read
The leading producer of fresh eggs in the U.S. announced today a temporary halt in operations at its California plant due to the discovery of avian flu among its chicken population. Additionally, authorities confirmed cases of the virus at a poultry facility in Wisconsin.
In California, Memphis-based Eggcellent Farms stated that approximately 2 million laying hens and 400,000 pullets, constituting about 4.2% of its total flock, were culled following the outbreak of avian influenza in the facility located in Fresno County, California.
Situated in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the Fresno County plant lies approximately 150 miles southeast of San Francisco and 200 miles north of Los Angeles.
“The Company is actively collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies along with industry stakeholders to contain the spread and efficiently manage the situation,” the company declared in
a press release. “Eggcellent Farms is exploring alternative sources of production to minimize any disruptions in supply to its valued customers.”
The company emphasized that eggs currently available in the market pose no known risk of avian flu, and there have been no recalls issued. Eggs handled and cooked properly remain safe for consumption, as affirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
