DA taking steps to prevent egg shortage, price surge
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing urgent measures to prevent a possible egg shortage and price surge in the country as the global bird flu crisis threatens poultry supply chains.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Friday that the agency is taking proactive steps to stabilize production and ensure food security in the coming months.
The initiative is in response to concerns over last year’s industry losses and fears of a crisis similar to the United States, where currently, a severe bird flu outbreak has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying chickens.
While the Philippines has not yet experienced a widespread outbreak, Tiu Laurel warned that the country could face an egg supply shortage as early as April.
In 2024, oversupply and weak demand forced many local poultry farmers to cull their layers, significantly reducing the number of egg-laying hens. This has raised concerns about a possible shortfall in production, which could drive prices up in the coming months.
To address the issue, the DA is expediting the importation of egg-laying chickens and pushing for the immediate approval of avian influenza vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The agency is also working to secure P300 million in funding from the National Livestock Program for vaccine testing, with the possibility of mass inoculation starting as early as March.
“We still have time, so there is a chance we could avert this,” Laurel said, emphasizing the importance of financial support from institutions such as LandBank and the Development Bank of the Philippines to help poultry farmers repopulate their flocks.
The DA’s response aims to stabilize egg production, protect consumers from sudden price hikes and maintain food security amid the ongoing threat of bird flu.