Nevada enacted a cage-free egg requirement in 2021, requiring shell eggs sold in the state to be sourced from cage-free systems.

Beginning in 2022, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) disrupted poultry production and the national egg supply chain. In response, Nevada later created a limited emergency mechanism that allows the State Quarantine Officer to temporarily suspend the cage-free sourcing requirement when an ongoing event negatively impacts the national egg supply chain.

Effective Feb. 20, 2025, the Nevada Department of Agriculture issued a temporary order allowing eggs for retail sale to be sourced from any producer meeting applicable food-safety requirements, regardless of whether the eggs originated from hens in a cage-free housing system. The order initiated a 120-day suspension and expired June 20, 2025, after which cage-free sourcing requirements resumed. These suspensions are posted on the Nevada Department of Agriculture announcement page.

The Nevada example highlights how some states are looking for flexibility during acute supply-chain disruptions while maintaining long-term housing policy goals.