Amid a severe avian influenza outbreak that has significantly reduced the U.S. chicken population, egg prices have soared, leading to an increase in attempts to bring eggs across the U.S.-Mexico border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a 29% rise in egg confiscations at ports of entry between October 2024 and February 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
The avian flu epidemic has led to the deaths of over 21 million chickens, with 13 million succumbing in December 2024 alone.
This drastic reduction in the laying hen population has caused egg prices to surge, reaching a record high average of $4.95 per dozen in January 2025.
In response to domestic shortages, Turkey has agreed to export 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S. by July 2025, aiming to alleviate supply disruptions caused by the outbreak.
This initiative is expected to generate approximately $26 million in revenue for Turkish producers.
Travelers are prohibited from bringing eggs, raw chicken, and live birds into the U.S. from Mexico due to concerns about diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Virulent Newcastle disease.
CBP advises that individuals declaring such items at the border will have them confiscated but may avoid fines.
Failure to declare prohibited agricultural products can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 for first-time offenses involving non-commercial quantities.
CBP officials emphasize the importance of declaring all agricultural items to prevent the introduction of diseases that could further impact the U.S. food supply.
The agency continues to monitor border crossings to enforce these regulations and protect domestic agriculture.
