On Dec. 19, 2014, in a backyard flock of mixed poultry in southern Oregon, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 outbreak was recorded. A crushing 180 days later, on June 17, 2015—the date of the last recorded detection—more than 48 million birds were dead as a result of the outbreak.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 has resulted in the deaths of 35 million egg-laying hens, a loss of 12 percent of the egg industry. An immediate concern is shortages of egg products used in the bakery industry.
In the wake of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 outbreak, the bakery industry and other food product manufacturers are seeking egg replacement solutions.
