Highly pathogenic bird flu is present in Canada, and continues to crop up in Mexico, but both countries have different approaches.
While all three of the largest countries in North America are dealing with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, egg prices are consistently lower in Canada and Mexico than in the United States. Consumers may wonder why.
In Canada, the average price for a dozen eggs was about $3.30 in January, according to Canada’s national statistics agency.
In Mexico, the price for a dozen eggs is around $2 or lower.
Meanwhile, according to the most recently published federal price data, Americans are paying more than $5 for a carton of eggs on average.
And although USDA data shows wholesale egg prices dropping since the beginning of March, prices at the grocery store remain high, reflecting retailer concerns over fluctuating supply.
According to interviews with U.S. government officials and trade experts and information provided by foreign agriculture agencies, there are significant differences in the composition of each country’s egg industry and the laws surrounding the production and marketing of eggs.
Notably, both Canada and Mexico have active federal measures to control the price of eggs, while the United States does not. Since the 1970s, Canada has used protection measures to control its supply of eggs and the price of the commodity. In the face of high inflation, the Mexican government recently enacted price controls on key goods, including controls on the price of eggs.
Mexico has dealt with outbreaks of various strains of highly pathogenic bird flu since the 1990s. However, it utilizes vaccines to combat the disease rather than culling large numbers of birds. U.S.-based sources told The Epoch Times the country also has lower sanitary standards for eggs.
Canada’s supply-controlled agricultural economy and far lower national population allow Canadian farmers to operate much smaller egg farms than their American counterparts. Smaller poultry barns prevent large-scale bird losses if the disease is detected and a cull is necessary.
By Austin Alonzo
