PHOENIX — An outbreak of avian influenza at Hickman’s Family Farms has led to the loss of 3 million egg-laying chickens at two West Valley locations, according to company president Glenn Hickman.
The virus was detected on May 15, following a spike in chicken deaths. Tests confirmed the presence of bird flu, and 100% of the affected birds will be lost, Hickman said.
Despite the outbreak, Hickman assured consumers there is no risk to food safety. He noted that infected eggs are removed from sale immediately and that there is no history of bird flu transmission from eating eggs.
Hickman said the outbreak is unlikely to affect grocery store egg prices, but the company’s recovery will take up to 20 months, barring any external help or access to replacement chicks.
He also renewed calls for the use of bird flu vaccines in egg-laying flocks, a strategy currently blocked by resistance from the broiler (meat chicken) industry, which fears economic disruption from trade barriers.
