In particular, commercial layer chickens in Iowa, Maryland, South Dakota and Wisconsin have been affected.
The state with the most endangered layer chickensabout 12 millionis Iowa, which producesthe most eggs in the country.
Backyard chickens in 19 states, from Maine to Nebraska, have also come down with the virus.
Photo: Getty Images / Westend61 / sanchesnet1
Inflation coupled with an increase in feed prices due to the war in Ukraine are the two major causes.
As the outbreak goes on, further depopulation could compound the problem.
