First seasonal case in Hokkaido; 459 thousand hens killed
Concerns are growing over the recent surge in egg prices in Japan, following the confirmation this week of the first seasonal case of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a farm in the country. Egg prices are approaching record levels, and analysts say a further increase could occur if infections spread, reducing supply on the market. The first seasonal case was detected on a chicken farm in the city of Shiraoi, in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, where around 459,000 laying hens will be culled to prevent further infections.
According to the Ja Zen-Noh Tamago consortium, wholesale prices remain high after the jump recorded last season due to a massive outbreak of avian flu, settling on Wednesday at 325 yen (1.85 euros) per kilogram for medium-sized eggs in Tokyo, close to the current record of 350 yen reached in spring 2023. The 2022-2023 season was marked from an unprecedented epidemic, reports the Jiji Press agency, with approximately 16.54 million laying hens killed, causing serious supply shortages and a sharp increase in prices, a phenomenon known as “egg shock”. Experts point out that the current increase in egg prices adds to a broader trend: inflation in Japan is impacting the prices of food and basic necessities, reducing the purchasing power of families. If the disease spreads to other livestock farms, consumers could face further price increases as health authorities step up controls to contain the virus.
