Reports from the USDA on bird flu impact

Egg Prices Surge 37% Across U.S. Due to Bird Flu, Hitting Nearly $9 Per Dozen

Jan 24, 2025, 03:37 PM

Egg prices across the U.S. have surged by nearly 37 percent, driven by a severe shortage of eggs due to an ongoing bird flu epidemic. The avian influenza, which has affected more than 136 million birds since its emergence in 2022, has intensified recently, leading to the culling of over 30 million egg-laying hens in the last three months alone. This significant reduction in the egg-laying population has resulted in a supply crunch, pushing wholesale egg prices to record highs. In some areas, the price for a dozen eggs has reached nearly $9, while the national average stands at $5.87. The shortage has led to empty shelves in grocery stores nationwide, with some retailers implementing purchase limits. The situation is expected to persist, with egg prices likely to continue rising in the coming weeks and months. Specifically, 13.2 million hens were lost in December 2024, and another 13 million in early January, contributing to the shortage. At a local Fry's grocery store, the price of a dozen large white eggs rose from $4.49 in December to $5.79 recently.