Media Statement by Emily Metz, President and CEO

June 2, 2025 – “What is taking place in Arizona at Hickman’s Family Farms is the worst kind of real-life case study imaginable. It tells firsthand the devastating impacts of this virus on our nation’s egg farmers and the customers and consumers who rely on a stable egg supply. From the loss of birds to the elimination of jobs and continuing disruption to U.S. egg production, highly pathogenic avian influenza—HPAI or bird flu—is lethal and devastating. 

“The Hickmans’ story is an awful one, and it is one of many similar stories that have played out on egg farms across the United States over the past four years of this bird flu outbreak. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has caused the loss of more than 135 million egg-laying hens, and both consumers and farmers need this outbreak to come to an end. It is time for courage in bringing solutions that will stop this virus in its tracks and protect our food supply—food security is national security.”

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About the American Egg Board (AEB)
The AEB supports America’s egg farmers nationwide through research, education and promotion programs for U.S. eggs. The AEB is located in Chicago, Ill. For more information, visit IncredibleEgg.org.
Contact: Marc Dresner, mdresner@aeb.org