What's the reason for Austria's empty egg shelves this winter?

"In some branches of major chains in Austria such as Billa and Spar, eggs have been partially or completely unavailable in recent weeks, prompting frustration and confusion among customers. The shortages have been most noticeable in the days after Christmas and Epiphany, a period that traditionally sees high demand for food. According to reporting by MeinBezirk, however, the current situation goes beyond a normal seasonal rush."

"Images shared from Vienna, Graz, and other cities show sparsely stocked egg sections, sometimes with only a few cartons left. In one Billa branch in Vienna's second district, MeinBezirk reporters found just two cartons of floor-laid eggs remaining. A sign on the shelf explained the situation bluntly: EIER derzeit AUS eggs currently unavailable. Another notice pointed to the underlying cause, citing high demand and fewer laying hens due to bird flu."

Several major supermarket chains in Austria, including Billa and Spar, have experienced partial or complete egg shortages in recent weeks, especially in the days after Christmas and Epiphany. Photos from Vienna, Graz and other cities show sparsely stocked egg sections and shelves labelled 'EIER derzeit AUS — eggs currently unavailable.' Availability has been inconsistent, with some branches restocked while others remain empty. Austria produces too few eggs to be fully self-sufficient, and bird flu outbreaks in other European countries have reduced laying hen populations abroad. Increased purchases from foreign buyers have diverted Austrian egg supplies away from the domestic market, affecting supermarkets nationwide.

Read at www.thelocal.at