Poultry farmers forces to cull flocks exposed to bird flu

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently revealed a comprehensive plan to address the soaring prices of eggs in both the short and long term. During an appearance on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” Rollins discussed the Trump administration’s efforts to tackle the bird flu outbreak that has devastated chicken populations, leading to a surge in egg prices.

Rollins attributed the current high prices to what she described as a lengthy history of overregulation dating back to the Obama administration. She highlighted the administration’s initiatives to support poultry farmers who were forced to cull their flocks due to exposure to the virus, noting that the administration is exploring potential policy changes in this regard.

In response to questions about the policy of culling chickens, Rollins confirmed that the administration is investigating whether revising this approach could be beneficial. She mentioned plans for pilot programs across the country to test alternative strategies for combating the avian flu, emphasizing the urgency of finding effective solutions to prevent further spread of the virus.

In the short term, Rollins noted that the Department of Agriculture is looking into importing eggs from other countries to meet demand and lower prices in the U.S. While this may provide temporary relief, she underscored that it is not a sustainable solution in the long run.

As the administration works to address the challenges posed by the avian flu outbreak, Rollins expressed optimism about the potential for innovative approaches to mitigate the impact on poultry farmers and consumers alike. By exploring new strategies and collaborating with industry stakeholders, the administration aims to stabilize egg prices and ensure a more secure future for the agricultural sector.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. For more information, send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.