TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Egg prices are at a national all time high due to an especially contagious strain of Avian Influenza, according to the USDA.
The outbreak started in the U.S Mid-West but is steadily heading south, says the USDA. The CDC also says, the particular strain we are facing now has been dormant in the U.S since 1983.
Like all strains this one is air-born and both humans and wild ducks can be carriers, according to the USDA.
Although many Tallahassee restaurants, like Crepe Vine, said they remain unaffected, other places have been hit harder by the Avian Influenza outbreak.
Beto Gomez, who owns a chain of Mexican food restaurants in the South Georgia area, said, “If Egg prices [go] up any higher then I can’t have any more eggs [in my restaurants]”. His menu contains four entrees that feature eggs, the most popular being Huevos Rancheros. He also said he incorporates eggs to some extent in many dishes.
North Florida and South Georgia are at the very end of the wild duck migration path, according to Ducks Unlimited. Meaning we are likely to see the spread of bird flu in the area, says a Bainbridge area veterinarian.
A local poultry farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, has expressed deep concern for the impending threat. "I'm terrified of the avian influence virus, I know it will be coming back through here. It came through several years ago and wiped out my entire flock- I almost lost everything. I've put my farm on lock down - no one goes in or out except for myself and a few trusted hands".
