Spain's egg prices rise 25% due to new laws

Spain is facing an egg crisis as prices have jumped by 25% in less than a month. The cost of a dozen eggs has increased from 2.10 euros to 2.60 euros. This rise is adding to the country’s cost of living issues. The Spanish government has been criticized for new laws that require residents to register their chickens. Under these rules, all chickens must be licensed with the Ministry for Agriculture. This law has created extra work for small farmers. One farmer said that paperwork is now needed just to keep a chicken and sell its eggs. People who want to keep chickens for personal use must still register. Owners must include their birds in the General Registry of Livestock Farms. This registration can be done online or in person. Additionally, poultry owners need to have a veterinarian for health care. Certain procedures require prior approval, and failing to follow these rules can result in hefty fines. As egg prices soar, the situation is worsened by an outbreak of bird flu in the United States. American markets are increasingly relying on Spanish eggs, heightening the urgency of the crisis.