U.S. Seeks Egg Imports from Europe Following Bird Flu Outbreak

A severe avian flu outbreak in the U.S. has caused egg shortages and soaring prices, prompting requests for exports from European countries including Denmark and Sweden.

• The H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the United States has led to the culling of millions of hens, significantly reducing egg production and driving up prices to over $10 per dozen in some areas.
• U.S. authorities have reached out to European countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands to explore the possibility of egg imports to address domestic shortages.
• European agricultural representatives, including Denmark's Danske Æg and Sweden's Kronägg, have confirmed receiving inquiries but cited logistical challenges and regulatory differences as obstacles to large-scale exports.
• Germany, which already exports small amounts of eggs to the U.S., has a self-sufficiency rate of 73%, with limited capacity for increased exports due to domestic demand and production constraints.
• Turkey is reportedly planning to expand its egg exports to the U.S., though no official confirmation of agreements from American authorities has been announced.

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