Nevada suspends cage-free egg law as bird flu crisis grips the nation, leaving lawmakers scrambling for solutions.
At a Glance
- Nevada temporarily suspends cage-free egg law due to soaring prices caused by bird flu outbreak
- Nearly 159 million birds have been slaughtered since 2022 due to avian influenza
- Egg prices have risen to nearly $5 per dozen, prompting legislative action
- Bipartisan effort results in Assembly Bill 171, allowing temporary suspension of cage-free law
- Experts caution that suspending the law may not significantly lower prices
Nevada Takes Action Amid Egg Crisis
In a move aimed at addressing skyrocketing egg prices, Nevada has taken the unprecedented step of temporarily suspending its cage-free egg law. Governor Joe Lombardo signed legislation allowing for this suspension, as the state grapples with the fallout from a devastating bird flu outbreak that has severely impacted the nation’s egg supply.
The decision comes as egg prices have soared to nearly $5 per dozen, putting a strain on Nevada families and businesses. The bird flu outbreak has led to the slaughter of nearly 159 million birds since 2022, significantly tightening the egg supply across the country. Nevada’s move sets it apart from six other states with similar cage-free laws, none of which have yet considered such suspensions.
Bipartisan Effort to Address Rising Costs
Assembly Bill 171, sponsored by Democratic lawmakers Steve Yeager and Howard Watts, permits the suspension of the cage-free law during national supply chain disruptions for up to 120 days. The bill, which passed unanimously in the Legislature, allows for two temporary suspensions per year and requires a 14-day public notice before the suspension ends.
“One of the things that was not foreseen at that time was this major animal disease outbreak,” Democratic Assemblymember Howard Watts III said.
Governor Lombardo, a Republican, has thrown his support behind the measure, stating it will “lower the cost of eggs and directly benefit Nevada families.” The governor also called for a permanent repeal of the cage-free law, describing it as “harmful, California-inspired legislation.”
Impact and Limitations of the Suspension
While the suspension aims to provide relief to consumers, experts caution that its impact on prices may be limited. University of Arkansas economist Jada Thompson suggests that Nevada’s move might slightly ease local prices but could potentially worsen them elsewhere. The cage-free egg supply remains limited, with only 121 million of 304 million laying hens being cage-free.
Long-term contracts with restaurants and food service companies maintain strong demand for cage-free eggs, potentially limiting the price-lowering effect of the suspension. Additionally, the bird flu outbreak has impacted both cage and cage-free farms, further complicating the supply issue.
