The United States is grappling with a severe and prolonged outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has devastated poultry flocks and sent ripple effects through the egg and poultry industries. In an extensive report published on April 29, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) outlines the challenges and responses to this crisis, raising critical questions about the government’s preparedness, the effectiveness of its policies, and the implications for both domestic producers and international trade.
USDA’s Slow Response
Despite widespread concern, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) faced significant criticism for its delayed and inadequate response to the HPAI outbreak. Several lawmakers voiced frustrations, urging the USDA to take more aggressive action, particularly in the development of vaccines to curb the spread of the virus. A lack of sufficient personnel and resources in USDA’s animal health programs, compounded by previous staffing cuts under the Trump Administration, further hindered the response effort.
The Vaccine Dilemma
While vaccination could be a game-changer in combating HPAI, the path to developing and implementing an effective poultry vaccine is fraught with challenges. Vaccine development for avian flu is complicated by the virus’s rapid mutation rates, and logistical barriers to administering vaccines to millions of birds make large-scale implementation impractical. Moreover, vaccination may disrupt international trade agreements, as many countries refuse to accept vaccinated poultry products due to concerns about viral shedding. This issue presents a major roadblock to the widespread use of vaccines.
Economic Impact on Egg Prices and Supply
The HPAI outbreak has had a significant impact on egg prices, with some regions seeing prices up to 60% higher than in others. Although the crisis has drawn attention to the high cost of eggs, it is important to note that regulatory changes, such as cage-free housing mandates in states like California, have also contributed to the supply shortages. Calls for reform of egg production regulations, including allowing surplus hatching eggs to be redirected to processed egg products, have been met with mixed reactions.
Competition and Market Consolidation
The egg sector has faced additional scrutiny over potential price manipulation and market consolidation. In 2025, the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice launched an investigation into possible price-fixing by major egg producers, following reports of skyrocketing profits amid soaring egg prices. Some members of Congress have raised concerns that producers may be exploiting the crisis to increase profits at the expense of consumers.
Trade Restrictions and International Relations
The Trump Administration’s tariffs on eggs and egg products, particularly those imposed on China, Canada, and Mexico, have further complicated the situation. These tariffs not only raise prices but also create tensions with trading partners who may retaliate. While USDA has started to ease some trade restrictions, the long-term impact on the poultry export market remains uncertain.
Mistakes by the Trump Administration
The downsizing of the federal workforce, especially in key USDA animal health labs, contributed to delays in the response to the HPAI outbreak in domestic poultry. As noted by experts, the workforce cuts left critical positions unfilled, hindering the ability of agencies to manage the crisis effectively.
Further, the imposition of tariffs on egg imports has exacerbated domestic supply issues and strained relations with major trading partners, such as Mexico and Canada, which could have otherwise helped fill gaps in supply.
Future Considerations for Congress
The ongoing HPAI outbreak highlights the need for a more robust and coordinated approach to managing animal disease outbreaks in the U.S. Congress will likely continue to scrutinize USDA’s response efforts and may push for reforms in animal disease preparedness and vaccine development. Efforts to stabilize egg prices through policy changes, such as relaxing certain housing mandates or adjusting tariff policies, may provide some relief to consumers. However, ensuring the long-term health of U.S. poultry markets will require balancing trade interests, animal welfare concerns, and effective disease control measures.
As the crisis continues, lawmakers may also focus on addressing competition issues within the poultry industry, including examining the consolidation of power among a few large producers. Antitrust measures could be put in place to ensure fairer practices in the egg and poultry sectors, preventing the manipulation of prices in times of crisis.
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreak in Poultry, 2022-Present. Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report, April 29, 2025.