Nevada Suspends Cage-Free Egg Law Amidst Nationwide Bird Flu Crisis

Facing soaring egg prices and dwindling supplies, Nevada has temporarily suspended its cage-free egg law, effective Thursday, February 13, 2025. The move, prompted by a nationwide avian influenza outbreak, aims to alleviate the shortage and stabilize prices for consumers.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced the suspension, citing the significant impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on the poultry industry, notably cage-free egg producers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 162 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been affected since the outbreak began in 2022. This widespread impact has created a ripple effect, leading to empty shelves and inflated prices in grocery stores across the nation.

The suspension allows eggs to be sourced from any producer meeting food safety guidelines, irrespective of their housing systems. This temporary relaxation of the 2021 cage-free law, which mandates unrestricted movement and at least one square foot of space per hen, is intended to increase the available egg supply. The NDA’s action is authorized under Assembly Bill 171, passed during the 2025 legislative session, which allows for temporary suspensions of cage-free regulations during emergencies. The suspension will last up to 120 days.

The NDA’s decision also permits the sale of Grade B eggs, which, while meeting the same food safety standards as Grade A eggs, may differ in color, shape, or size. This further expands the available egg supply.

Eggs are typically the most cost-effective protein source for food insecure populations, said J.J. Goicoechea, state quarantine officer and director at the Nevada Department of Agriculture.When families can’t find eggs on the shelf, and when they do, the prices are not attainable, this can leave them without an essential food they depend on.

Goicoechea anticipates an improvement in supply within the next month. He acknowledges the complexity of the situation:

This egg shortage didn’t happen overnight, and we cannot resolve it overnight, he said. We anticipate roughly 30 days before we can secure new contracts and start to see increased egg supplies on the shelf, and hopefully lower prices as availability increases.

The impact of avian flu extends beyond the egg industry. In December 2024, bird flu was detected in a dairy cow herd in Nye county, followed by a second case in Churchill County in January 2025.In February 2025, Nevada confirmed its first human case of H5N1 avian flu linked to infected cattle in Churchill County. The infected individual, who worked with sick cattle at a dairy farm, experienced mild symptoms and recovered. State and federal agencies are actively monitoring and tracking infections in cattle, poultry, and wild birds to contain the spread.

Headline: Navigating the Avian Flu Crisis: How Do We Balance Poultry Health and Food Security?

In the face of a nationwide bird flu outbreak and its ripple effects, governments and industries scramble to balance essential food supplies with animal health. What does this mean for the future of egg production, and how can we ensure food security in crises? Our expert dives deep into these complex issues.

Senior Editor: How has the recent suspension of cage-free egg laws in Nevada shed light on the nuances of food security during a health crisis?

Expert: The suspension of Nevada’s cage-free egg law underscores a critical junction were food security intersects with animal health management. This strategic decision highlights the government’s role in maintaining the equilibrium between two essential aspects: public health and consumer affordability. By allowing eggs from producers meeting safety guidelines, irrespective of the housing systems, the state aims to address the egg shortage while ensuring that eggs remain accessible, especially for food-insecure populations. History shows us that during times of crisis, such flexibility is crucial. Take, as a notable example, the 2002-2003 outbreak of avian influenza that swept through Southeast Asia, where similar measures were taken to curb shortages. These actions, though seen as temporary fixes, play a pivotal role in stabilizing markets and preventing economic distress from escalating.

Senior Editor: In what ways do avian flu outbreaks typically affect the poultry industry, and what can we learn from past experiences?

Expert: Avian flu outbreaks pose a important threat to the poultry industry due to their highly contagious nature, which can lead to massive culling of affected bird populations. This intervention, although necessary to prevent the spread, drastically reduces egg supplies and impacts prices. The current situation in Nevada, reflecting the aftermath of a decade-long battle with avian flu, serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience. We must learn from past outbreaks like those in 2015 and 2017, which affected substantial portions of the U.S. poultry market, compelling industries to adopt biosecurity measures and rethink production processes. Investment in early detection systems, genetic research, and vaccine development are essential. These strategies have consistently proven their worth in mitigating losses and ensuring quicker industry recovery.

Senior Editor: What role does legislative flexibility, as seen with Assembly Bill 171, play in managing agricultural crises?

Expert: Legislative flexibility, as exemplified by nevada’s Assembly Bill 171, is indispensable during agricultural crises. It empowers states to swiftly adapt regulations to respond effectively to emergent challenges. This bill provides a legislative framework that allows for temporary suspensions of cage-free regulations in times of emergency, demonstrating foresight in crisis management. By enabling states to prioritize practical solutions over rigid adherence to pre-existing laws, such flexibility aids in maintaining supply chains. The approach taken by Nevada echoes strategies from historical policies, such as the adjustments made during the Great Depression in the agricultural sector, where temporary shifts enabled greater market fluidity and consumer access to essential goods. These policies reveal that legislative adaptability is not just a reactive measure but a proactive strategy that ensures the resilience of food systems.

Senior Editor: Given the broader impact of avian flu on various food sectors, what precautions should industries take to mitigate these risks?

expert: industries must adopt a holistic approach to mitigate the risks associated with avian flu outbreaks affecting multiple food sectors.Key precautions include:

1. Enhanced Biosecurity Measures: Implementing stringent biosecurity protocols can curtail the spread of the virus within farms and across regions. Regular audits and updates to these protocols ensure they meet the latest health standards.

1. Diversified production Systems: Encouraging diversification in production helps buffer against supply chain disruptions. For instance, integrating different livestock types and agricultural products can reduce dependency on a single resource.

1. Investment in Research and Development: Continuous investment in R&D for vaccines and disease-resistant poultry breeds can significantly reduce susceptibility to outbreaks. Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors often yield the most innovative solutions.

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating farmers, producers, and consumers about the signs of avian flu and proper response protocols fosters a community-wide defense against outbreaks.

By implementing these measures, industries can better protect themselves against future crises and ensure continuity in food supply and safety.

Senior Editor: As this situation evolves, what should consumers expect in terms of egg availability and pricing?

Expert: In the short term, consumers may continue to experience fluctuations in egg availability and pricing. However, with markets adjusting to the temporary suspension of cage-free laws, we should see a gradual stabilization. Increased egg importation and resumed production will contribute to this normalization. Over the next few months, expect to see a phased return to pre-crisis conditions, perhaps at a slightly higher price point until supply fully meets demand. Consumers should stay informed about local updates and be prepared for transitional phases, a common scenario during significant industry adjustments. Staying informed and proactive, such as purchasing in bulk when prices are favorable, can help mitigate the impacts of price volatility during periods of industry recovery.

Engagement & User Interaction: As we navigate this challenging landscape, we must advocate for and support policies and practices that safeguard both our food supply and the health of our ecosystems. Yoru feedback and experiences are invaluable as we collectively work toward these goals. Please share your thoughts below or share this conversation on social media to contribute to this crucial dialog. Your voice matters in shaping a resilient and secure food future.