After weeks of rising infections, the bird flu (avian influenza) continues to spread rapidly across the country — with severe consequences for farmers, animals, and consumers alike.
More than 400,000 chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys have already been culled to contain the virus, but the economic fallout is only beginning.
Farm associations warn that supermarket prices could jump by up to 40 % in the coming weeks — especially for eggs and poultry products.
“Eggs could soon cost €3.50 a pack”
“The situation will become dramatic,” said Robert Schmack, chairman of the Bavarian Poultry Industry Association, in an interview with Bayerischer Rundfunk.
He estimates that a ten-pack of eggs, which currently costs about €2.50, could soon reach €3.50 if supply shortages intensify.
“It’s not just about prices,” Schmack added. “The demand is already enormous, and it might happen that not every supermarket shelf will be fully stocked anymore.”
He stopped short of predicting completely empty aisles — but warned that “not all product ranges will remain available everywhere.”
Farmers demand mandatory indoor housing
To contain the virus, the poultry industry is urging the government to impose a nationwide indoor housing order for all birds.
That would mean moving free-range poultry into enclosed facilities — a measure many experts see as crucial to stop new outbreaks.
Schmack and Hans-Peter Goldnick, president of the German Poultry Industry Association (ZDG), agree on that point.
Goldnick told ZDF: “It’s one of the most important steps policymakers can take to stop the spread.”
However, he does not expect dramatic price explosions. “I don’t believe we’ll see a short-term price shock,” he said. “Overall, we think the situation will remain manageable.”
Virus continues to spread — 30 farms affected
According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, around 30 commercial poultry farms in Germany have already been forced to cull their flocks due to infections.
For affected businesses, the losses are devastating — not only because of the destroyed stock but also due to halted production, compensation procedures, and strict biosecurity measures that disrupt normal operations.
The outbreak adds to the strain on a sector already dealing with rising feed costs, energy expenses, and labour shortages — all of which could push prices even higher for consumers as winter approaches.
What consumers can expect
Industry analysts predict that prices for eggs and poultry will likely remain volatile through the first quarter of 2026.
Retailers might try to absorb part of the increase temporarily, but sustained outbreaks could make that impossible.
In the best case, consumers will face slightly higher prices; in the worst case, temporary shortages of specific products such as organic or free-range eggs.
As Schmack summarized, “The entire industry is under pressure — from the stable to the checkout counter.”
