Turkey to export 15,000 tonnes of eggs to US
US egg stock low due to avian influenza
20 February 2025
2 minute read
By: Turkey has begun exporting around 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the United States, where an ongoing outbreak of bird flu disrupted supply, sent prices soaring and led to talks with other producers, Reuters reported, citing a leading sector official on Wednesday.
Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey, told Reuters that shipments began this month and will continue until July.
"The export will take place through our member companies with the required authorisations, while two firms will coordinate the process," Afyon said.
"A total of 15,000 tonnes of eggs — equivalent to 700 containers — will be shipped."
The US has been working to contain the spread of avian influenza, which was first detected in dairy cattle in Texas last March and has since spread to multiple states. The virus has infected nearly 70 people since April, including one fatal case, primarily among farm workers exposed to infected poultry or cattle.
An outbreak in poultry that began in 2022 has wiped out about 160 million chickens, turkeys and other birds, contributing to egg shortages.
In response, the US Department of Agriculture has granted conditional approval to animal health company Zoetis for the use of an avian influenza vaccine in poultry.
The agency is also rebuilding a stockpile of vaccines tailored to the current strain affecting commercial flocks and wild birds.
Faced with supply constraints, US firms have sought alternative import markets, leading to negotiations with Turkish producers, Afyon said.
He said the deal is expected to generate around $26 million in export revenue.
Turkey ranks among the world's top 10 egg exporters, Afyon added.
