The ongoing egg shortage is causing severe disruptions across the food industry, particularly in the US, where prices have soared, and availability has become increasingly uncertain. At the heart of the issue is yet another outbreak of avian influenza, a virus that has led to the culling of millions of hens, drastically cutting egg production. However, the crisis runs deeper than a single outbreak – it highlights the vulnerabilities of intensive poultry farming and the urgent need for more resilient and sustainable systems.

This is not an isolated incident, but a part of a recurring pattern linked to avian influenza outbreaks. Historically, such outbreaks have severely impacted poultry industries worldwide, with major occurrences in 2005, 2015, and the ongoing one that began in 2022. The 2022 outbreak marked the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in US commercial poultry since 2020, and its effects have continued to ripple through the industry.

Industrial poultry farming practices play a significant role in the rapid spread of these diseases. In large-scale facilities, thousands of birds are housed in close quarters, creating ideal conditions for viruses like H5N1 to spread quickly. This high-density environment not only accelerates disease transmission but also increases the likelihood of viral mutations, potentially leading to more virulent strains.

Addressing the problem requires more than just waiting for flock populations to recover. Several measures could help stabilize production and reduce future risks. Strengthening biosecurity on farms – through controlled farm access, improved sanitation, and continuous disease monitoring – could slow the spread of infections. Vaccination programs may also play a role, but challenges remain in ensuring effectiveness and widespread adoption. One major concern is that vaccinated birds may not exhibit symptoms, making it harder to detect and control outbreaks. This asymptomatic transmission poses significant risks to both animal and human health. Additionally, there are fears that widespread poultry vaccination could encourage the emergence of new, more dangerous virus strains, increasing the risk of transmission to humans. Since treating infected birds is not feasible due to the disease’s rapid progression and high contagion risk, culling remains the primary containment measure. Given these limitations, transitioning toward more diversified and decentralized farming systems is crucial to building resilience in the industry and reducing the chances of a single outbreak disrupting the entire supply chain.

While producers struggle to contain the crisis, consumers are left with rising costs and limited availability, prompting many to explore plant-based alternatives. Switching to egg substitutes could ease the pressure on production, especially during shortages, while also reducing reliance on a system that prioritises efficiency over resilience. Tofu, for example, can replicate the texture of scrambled eggs and serves as a protein-rich alternative in various savoury dishes. Flaxseeds and chia seeds, when mixed with water, form a gel-like consistency that acts as a natural binding agent, making them effective replacements in baking. Chickpea flour serves a similar purpose, adding structure and nutritional value to recipes. Beyond their versatility, these alternatives come with additional benefits. Many plant-based substitutes are cholesterol-free, making them a heart-friendly choice, and some are fortified to provide essential nutrients found in eggs, such as vitamin B12 and choline. Though not all substitutes match eggs’ full nutritional profile, a varied diet can easily compensate for any gaps. On a larger scale, reducing dependence on animal-based products helps lower the environmental impact, as plant-based foods generally require fewer resources to produce. Whether for practical, ethical, or health reasons, considering these alternatives isn’t just a short-term fix but a step toward a more sustainable food system.

This crisis makes it clear that the way eggs are produced and consumed needs to change. Industrial farming has made the system highly efficient but also dangerously fragile, where a single outbreak can throw the entire industry into turmoil. Rethinking egg production – through better farming practices and greater adoption of plant-based alternatives – could help prevent similar crises in the future while addressing broader concerns about sustainability and animal welfare. The shift won’t happen overnight, but if nothing else, the current shortage should serve as a reminder that resilience matters just as much as efficiency.

By Francesca Cogo