Egg Industry Giant Halts Production for 2 Years Amid Bird Flu Crisis and Vaccine Setbacks

Hickman’s Family Farms, the largest egg producer in the Southwest, is poised to shut down most of its production following a severe bird flu outbreak in Maricopa.

This outbreak resulted in the culling of 6 million chickens as federal vaccine delays exacerbated the situation, according to company officials.

Despite the crisis, operations in Maricopa and Colorado will continue, as confirmed by CEO Glenn Hickman.

The affected chickens were primarily located in the Buckeye-Tonopah area. During a recent press conference, Hickman noted that efforts to control farm traffic proved insufficient as the virus spread through the West Valley.

He attributed part of the failure to delays in vaccine availability, stating, “We need to access the vaccine that the federal government has already approved.”

This culling follows the federal government’s cancellation of over $700 million earmarked for Moderna’s bird flu mRNA vaccine rollout.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed skepticism about bird flu vaccines, advocating instead for the virus to propagate among poultry to foster natural immunity.

Critics warn that such immunity may encourage mutations, with potential risks for human transmission.

Earlier this week, Animal Outlook, a national animal rights organization, dramatically underestimated the outbreak, estimating that only 2.3 million birds had perished. They projected taxpayer costs to exceed $38 million for the culling effort. The USDA has since raised its compensation for culled birds to $16.94, reflecting more than double the earlier amount.

Taxpayer compensation estimates are expected to at least double based on the final culling figures.

Footage showing the mass disposal of thousands of chickens at Hickman’s facility in Tonopah was shared earlier this week by InMaricopa.

Ben Williamson, a spokesperson for Animal Outlook, called the shutdown “great news for chickens,” framing the two-year production halt as a victory for both hens and male chicks, who often face inhumane treatment in the industry.

The advocacy group urged Hickman’s to consider transitioning to plant-based farming.