Kavita Bisht
In a worrisome blow to all the lovers of breakfast all across Australia, McDonald has been compelled to make changes to the regular morning delivery service because of a highly acute scarcity of eggs that has stemmed from the occurrences of bird flu.
McDonald’s recently announced a reduction in breakfast service hours by 1-1/2 hours, now ending at 10:30 a. m. instead of the middle of the day due to the difficulties connected with the supply of eggs. This adjustment was assumed due to disruptions in the chain of egg productions due to avian influenza that affected the 11 poultry facilities starting from May including egg farms, this led to culling of about 1.5 million chickens, thus emphasizing on the magnitude of the problem affecting farmers as well as customers.
The reported bird flu strains in Australia are H5N1 related but they are not the highly pathogenic form described to affect both birds and humans globally. The authorities state, today’s outbreak did not majorly impact the laying hen population in Australia as they reveal that the rate of infection is less than 10%. Measures to prevent and avoid the further spreading of these illnesses are being made and strict measures in the biosecurity department of affected farms are being implemented strictly, furthermore, there are collaborations within the industry to reduce the effects on poultry production.
However, there exists disruption of egg supplies in these stores and some of the shelves are left without eggs as they are arranged towards the closing of the day. Since its existence is scarce, retailers have set rationing on the acquisition of eggs to make sure every consumer is served.
Managing director of the Australian Eggs Rowan McMonnies therefore allays consumer concern in this regard by confirming that there is a strong supply capacity of eggs in Australia. More than 20 million hens from about 300 committed farmers in the country go on producing eggs for the consumers. These farmers are making their best to deliver eggs on the shelves at the consumers’ table despite the hurdles occasioned by the outbreaks.
The bird flu is a disease that affects birds and spreads from wild birds to domestic poultry. Since 1976, Australia has seen eleven outbreaks of the bird flu, all of which have been controlled and destroyed. These occurrences demonstrate the country’s competency in preventing and combating agricultural health crises and preserving the food supply.
Thus, presents both consumers and egg producers with several problems at the moment; however, the process of stabilizing the egg production and preventing the effects of bird flu on agriculture and food chains is already being promoted actively. Customers are made to understand that they should remain aware and wait as authorities find ways on how to bring back order to the manufacturing, selling and purchasing of egg as well as food supply and this is just a small hiccup.
Based on these occurrences, future constant interaction among various stakeholders of the industry, respective authorities, and the public will be vital in overcoming this period’s challenges and strengthening the ability to effectively respond to subsequent agricultural health threats.
