US Department of Agriculture reports or major news outlets

US Egg Prices Surge Past $4.15 Per Dozen Amid Bird Flu, Set to Rise 20% in 2025

Jan 28, 2025, 12:19 AM

Egg prices in the United States are soaring due to a persistent bird flu outbreak that began in 2022. The outbreak has led to the slaughter of over 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds, with the majority being egg-laying hens. This has significantly reduced the supply of eggs, causing prices to more than double since the summer of 2023. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the average price per dozen eggs reached $4.15 in December, and anticipates a further 20% increase in 2025. Shoppers are facing empty shelves and higher prices, with some stores limiting the number of eggs that can be purchased. The bird flu, spread primarily by wild birds, has proven difficult to control, and efforts to manage the outbreak include enhanced biosecurity measures on farms. The outbreak has cost the U.S. Department of Agriculture at least $1.14 billion in compensation to farmers for the birds they have had to cull. Additionally, organic and cage-free egg varieties are even more expensive, and the surge in demand as Easter approaches may exacerbate the situation. Cage-free egg laws in 10 states have also contributed to supply disruptions. The virus has affected dairy cattle and led to human cases, with over five dozen people becoming ill and one death reported. Farmers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on biosecurity, and the prices of turkey, milk, and chicken have also been impacted by the outbreak.