Italy has informed the World Organization of Animal Health of an outbreak of H5N1 HPAI in an egg production complex holding one million hens located in the northeast quadrant of the nation.  This outbreak follows reports of H5N1 emerging in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and France accompanied by concurrent diagnoses of outbreaks in backyard farms and migratory birds. 

The extent of losses and concern over future outbreaks is leading to a seven percent rise in the price of shell eggs from late August through mid-September attaining $1.75 per dozen for graded unpacked product.  Diversion of eggs to the shell market at the expense of breaking supply is apparently the reason for recent imports of egg products from the U.S.