Konya, Turkey & Iowa, USA – The resurgence of the H5N1 avian influenza in Turkey and its detection in U.S. flocks are raising concerns about potential disruptions to the recently established egg export market. This situation could impact U.S. consumers and producers alike.
Avian Influenza Outbreak in Turkey
Turkey reported its first highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak in over a year on November 11, 2024. The outbreak was detected on a commercial poultry farm in the Meram district of Konya province. According to AviNews, 211 birds died out of a flock of 790,000, prompting an immediate investigation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus. Authorities have since implemented stringent biosecurity measures, including culling affected birds and establishing a surveillance zone to contain the spread.
H5N1 Detected in Iowa Turkey Flock
Adding to the global concerns, on February 13, 2025, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA APHIS detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County, Iowa. This marks Iowa’s third detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025. The department has urged poultry and dairy farmers to increase biosecurity practices to prevent further spread.
Turkey’s Egg Exports to the U.S.
In a counterintuitive turn, Turkey has begun exporting approximately 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the United States, according to Reuters, starting in February 2025. These exports aim to alleviate shortages in the U.S. market, which has been significantly affected by its own bird flu outbreaks. The shipments are projected to continue until July, generating an estimated $26 million in export revenue for Turkey. The U.S. has been battling a bird flu outbreak in poultry since 2022, resulting in the loss of approximately 162 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds.
The presence of the H5N1 virus is fatal to domestic birds and carries a potential risk to human health, although human cases are rare. The outbreaks in both Turkey and the U.S. underscore the importance of robust biosecurity measures and surveillance to protect poultry industries and prevent disruptions to the global egg supply chain. As the situation develops, monitoring the effectiveness of containment measures and the potential impact on trade will be crucial.