STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER SID MILLER APPLAUDING THE USDA DECISION TO SHIFT FROM POULTRY DEPOPULATION (2/19/2025)

"I commend President Donald J. Trump for his decisive action in addressing the catastrophic mishandling of the bird flu outbreak by the Biden administration, which has devastated our nation’s poultry industry and driven up costs for American consumers. According to the USDA, bird flu-related depopulation has resulted in the loss of over 150 million birds since 2022, including more than 123 million laying hens. As a result, egg prices soared under Biden, climbing from $1.60 per dozen in February 2021 to a staggering $4.10 by December 2024. Now, at a record high of $4.95 per dozen, American consumers are bearing the burden of the failed Biden response to this crisis.

The Trump administration’s prioritization of enhanced biosecurity measures and targeted medical interventions—rather than the widespread and costly mass culling of infected flocks—is a commonsense approach. While some depopulations may still be necessary in severe cases, this new strategy offers a more sustainable and effective path forward. Reducing our reliance on mass culling is critical to protecting both our nation’s food supply and economy. I have full confidence in the leadership of National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on this issue. Working together, we can ensure the resilience of our poultry industry and put an end to the unnecessary financial burden placed on American consumers due to the mismanagement of the previous administration.”