The shortage is expected to affect fresh stock only but not expected frozen poultry.
Concerns over shortages stem from two upcoming holidays, the Jewish fast of Tisha Be'av, which falls on July 18; and the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which will begin on July 19. No slaughter takes place in kosher slaughterhouses on Tisha Be'av, and almost all slaughterhouses across the country are closed during the week of Eid al-Adha.
The ministry added that slaughterhouses are operating at a higher capacity than usual this week ahead of the two holidays in order to meet the expected demand and in anticipation of the possible shortages but they advise shoppers looking to buy fresh chicken do so before the upcoming weekend.
Supply of fresh chicken is expected to resume in supermarkets on July 25.