The 17th Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry This Year... Will Egg Prices Rise Further?

According to the Consumer Price Trends by Statistics Korea, the index rose to 108.29, an increase of 2.6% compared to one year ago. Agricultural, livestock, and fishery products increased by 7.8%. Eggs saw a significant rise of 54.6%. Eggs are being sold at a large supermarket in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As the winter season begins this year, concerns over rising egg prices are escalating due to confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) at poultry farms, including laying hens.

According to the AI Central Accident Response Headquarters on the 25th, highly pathogenic AI was confirmed yesterday at a laying hen farm in Sejong City. This is the 17th confirmed case of highly pathogenic AI in poultry this fall and the 6th case among laying hens. The farm has approximately 61,000 laying hens.

Upon confirmation of the suspected case at this farm, quarantine authorities immediately implemented access control, preventive culling, and epidemiological investigations as part of biosecurity measures. The Central Response Headquarters has decided to operate a 'Poultry Farm Voluntary Biosecurity Project' to strengthen biosecurity efforts at poultry farms.

Farms participating in this project that comply with biosecurity standards will receive higher compensation for culling in the event of highly pathogenic AI outbreaks in their poultry, as well as support through policy funds such as management stabilization funds.

The Central Response Headquarters urged, "Farms must strictly implement the 'four-step farm disinfection' process," and requested, "If any abnormalities such as increased mortality or decreased laying rates are detected in poultry, please report immediately to the authorities."

Egg prices, which fell to the 5,000 won range last month, have recently risen again above 6,000 won. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) agricultural product distribution information, the price of a carton of 30 eggs (extra-large) was 6,397 won yesterday, nearly 800 won higher per carton than the average price (5,584 won).

The government has announced that it will resume imports of eggs this month amid the rising price trend. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has allowed duty-free imports of 100 million eggs per month at a basic tariff rate of 0% until June next year.

Additionally, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, the government plans to expand the supply scale of essential goods compared to normal times and advance the supply period to three weeks before the holiday to manage prices. The usage limit for discount coupons (20-30%) for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products during the holiday period will also be increased from the existing 10,000 won to 20,000 won to reduce consumer burden.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.