It's why we see "pasture raised" as the more premium marketing term. It still doesn't mean much without looking into the specific farm.

But the more the chicken can "graze naturally" the more likely it is getting everything it wants, which may improve health and taste.

Might not be well defined but I’m sure it’s defined enough to be law.

And the specific section of the law defining 'cage free' for Michigan:

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-287-7...

There may be some flexibility in consumers' understanding of the terms, but of course the legislature has actual rules.

States are going to have to repeal those laws and confine chickens in sealed buildings to protect them.

Source? Why is it only American free-range egg farms are being affected, while Canada and Mexico’s are being spared?

"Avian flu experts have called for caution in implementing cage-free requirements, noting that poultry exposed to the outdoors have a higher risk of contracting the virus."

https://www.wattagnet.com/poultry-meat/diseases-health/avian...

"Incorporating lasers that deter wild bird populations into biosecurity protocols can help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) between commercial poultry farms."

> Why is it only American free-range egg farms are being affected, while Canada and Mexico’s are being spared?

Mexico immunizes their birds, which is highly labor intensive, which they can afford due to low wages and the US can't.

Canada is far north and the infected wild birds have not gone that far in large numbers (although the numbers are increasing).