Egg and turkey prices in the US will surge more than expected this year as a result of the severe bird flu outbreak in the country.
Figures released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) show that over 48 million chickens and turkeys were impacted by the disease.
The prices of frozen wholesale turkey are expected to increase by 19%, Reuters reported.
The chicken and turkey producers in the country believe that the egg and poultry industry would take two years to completely replace flocks.
Few egg-laying chicken farms will begin raising new chickens this fall, while the other farms severely impacted by the outbreak would be involved in cleanup process and remain empty until the end of this year.
The process of rebuilding could take even longer if the virus emerges again this fall when wild ducks carrying the disease start seasonal migrations.
The wholesale egg prices average $2.38 to $2.52 a dozen in the fourth quarter of this year.
USDA predicts that the wholesale egg prices will average $1.64 to $1.78 a dozen next year, marking an increase of over 20% from its July estimate.
