Nevada legislators will meet Monday to consider a bill aimed at addressing supply chain challenges that have led to increased egg prices and decreased availability.
Assembly Bill 171 is a proposed measure to provide solutions for the supply chain problems associated with the H5N1 bird flu virus, which has, in some cases, more than doubled the price of eggs and reduced the availability of them in Nevada.
The bill would grant the State Quarantine Officer the authority to temporarily suspend Nevada’s cage-free egg law, ensuring the state can access additional egg markets during national disruptions caused by disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources will hear Assembly Bill 171 Monday, Feb. 10, 4 p.m. at Room 3143 of the Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City.
Recent supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by seasonal and environmental factors, have caused higher egg prices and reduced availability for Nevada consumers and businesses.
The Retail Association of Nevada says Assembly Bill 171 aims to provide emergency flexibility by allowing a temporary regulatory suspension to facilitate egg imports and stabilize the market during national shortages.
“Nevada families rely on eggs as one of the most affordable sources of protein, and it is critical that Nevada retailers can access additional egg markets to meet consumer demand,” said Bryan Wachter, Senior Vice President of the Retail Association of Nevada. “Assembly member Watts, legislative leaders, and Governor Lombardo recognize the urgency of this crisis. We urge swift action on Assembly Bill 171 to provide relief for Nevadans who depend on access to affordable egg products.”
Meanwhile, the Nevada Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services is taking additional action in an effort to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
Dairy cattle premises in Nye and Churchill counties have been placed under quarantine due to detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory is continuing testing to confirm what strain of virus has been detected in Churchill County. Preliminary results show this detection to be consistent with a strain that has also been detected in wild birds in all North American flyways.
Strains of the H5N1 influenza virus primarily infect birds, but can also infect humans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This type of flu is most often contracted by contact with sick birds.
It can also be passed from person to person. Symptoms begin within two to eight days, and can seem like the common flu, according to the CDC. Cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and shortness of breath may occur. The disease can carry a high mortality in humans. Some antiviral drugs, if taken within two days of symptoms, may help.
