Philippine Egg Prices Rise Amid Avian Disease Outbreaks

The Philippine Egg Board Association reports that avian disease outbreaks are causing production deficiencies and an artificial shortage of eggs. President Francis Uyehara identified Infectious Laryngotracheitis, Inclusion Body Hepatitis, and low pathogenic avian influenza as the primary drivers of the crisis. He noted that these diseases continue to mutate, leaving some partners without the conviction that outbreaks can be fully addressed despite specialized veterinary consultants.

Farmgate prices for medium eggs have climbed from P3.00 during the dry season to between P6.80 and P7.00 in August. Retail prices currently range from P8.00 to P9.00, and Uyehara expects them to exceed P9.00 or P10.00 during the holiday season as demand increases.

While the supply of replacement chicks remains sufficient, the industry faces hurdles with slow vaccine licensing processes at the Bureau of Animal Industry. The association is working to manage the challenges facing farmers while attempting to maintain market confidence.