Egg prices in the United States have surged again, driven by a persistent bird flu outbreak that has forced farmers to cull millions of chickens. As demand rises with the approach of Easter, consumers are facing limited supplies and soaring costs, with some regions experiencing prices more than double the national average.
Egg Prices Climbing as Supply Struggles to Recover
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the national average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.15 in December, a sharp increase from the summer of 2023. While still below the $4.82 peak of 2022, the agency forecasts another 20% increase in prices this year.
In some areas, egg prices have already surpassed that national average, and some grocery stores have even implemented purchase limits. Organic and cage-free eggs, which already carry a premium, are even more expensive.
Bird Flu Remains the Primary Driver of Price Hikes
The latest avian influenza outbreak, which began in 2022, continues to impact the poultry industry. The virus spreads through wild birds such as ducks and geese, and any detection on a farm leads to the immediate culling of the entire flock to prevent further transmission. Given that large-scale egg farms often house more than 1 million chickens, even a few infections can cause substantial supply shortages.
Since the outbreak began, over 145 million birds, primarily egg-laying hens, have been slaughtered. Restocking these farms is a slow process, requiring thorough decontamination before new birds can be introduced.
Adding to the supply strain, new state laws in California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Michigan mandate minimum space requirements or cage-free conditions for egg-laying hens. These regulations have contributed to supply disruptions and price increases, particularly in states where farms have had to make significant adjustments.
Bird Flu Remains Difficult to Contain
Unlike previous outbreaks, the 2022 strain of bird flu has not subsided during warm months, complicating containment efforts. The virus can survive in bird droppings, contaminated soil, and even on workers’ clothing, making it challenging to eradicate.
Complicating matters further, the virus jumped to dairy cattle in March 2023. While cows typically survive the infection, this shift has increased the risk of prolonged virus circulation. Unlike poultry, infected cattle are not culled, raising concerns about continued virus transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed more than 60 human cases of bird flu linked to direct exposure to infected animals, including one fatality. However, there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
Measures to Contain the Outbreak
Poultry and dairy farmers have implemented strict biosecurity measures to limit the virus’s spread. Many farms require workers to shower and change clothing before entering facilities, and have installed disinfection stations for vehicles. Some have even invested in laser systems to deter wild birds from landing on their property.
Efforts are also being made to prevent infected cattle from spreading the virus. Dairy farmers are isolating sick animals, and government agencies are testing milk supplies. Health officials stress that pasteurization kills the virus, making commercial milk safe to consume.
A vaccine for poultry is under development, but widespread vaccination remains impractical due to the massive number of birds involved. Additionally, international trade restrictions could be placed on vaccinated poultry, complicating export markets.
Economic Impact and Rising Costs for Consumers
The financial burden of this outbreak is substantial. The USDA has paid at least $1.14 billion in compensation to farmers forced to cull their flocks, with an additional $576 million spent on response efforts.
Egg sellers are also struggling with pricing. In some stores, cage-free eggs are selling for $6.19 per dozen, while organic varieties are often unavailable due to supply constraints. Retailers, facing high wholesale costs, are making minimal profits on egg sales.
The impact extends beyond eggs, as prices for turkey, chicken, and dairy products have also been affected by the outbreak.
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