The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has significantly impacted egg prices across the United States. Wholesale prices have seen dramatic increases, reaching record highs in various regions.
The Midwest experienced a substantial surge in wholesale egg prices, with large eggs costing $5.57 per dozen in December, marking a 150% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from Expana. California witnessed even higher prices, reaching an unprecedented $8.85 per dozen. Expana’s managing editor for eggs, Karyn Rispoli, reported consecutive weeks of record-breaking daily price increases, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The primary cause of these escalating prices is the persistent spread of avian influenza. During the fourth quarter of 2024, a period coinciding with peak egg demand, over 20 million egg-laying hens were lost to the virus. This significant loss of poultry directly affects egg production, leading to shortages and driving prices upward.
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Since January 2022, the bird flu outbreak has impacted nearly 129 million birds nationwide, including chickens, turkeys, and both wild and commercial flocks, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All 50 states have reported cases, emphasizing the widespread nature of the outbreak. The virus spreads rapidly among crowded poultry flocks, further exacerbating the issue.
The substantial decline in egg-laying hens due to the virus has resulted in reduced egg production and widespread shortages. This scarcity has contributed to the significant price increases observed across the country. Consumers are facing higher costs for this essential food item as a direct consequence of the ongoing bird flu crisis.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively investing in research to develop vaccines that can protect poultry from bird flu. However, widespread vaccination of commercial poultry faces significant logistical challenges and is not feasible in the near term, as stated by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in a letter to Congress.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared the bird flu outbreak a global health emergency, the virus has prompted several recalls of dairy milk in the U.S. after detection in retail samples. To date, no egg recalls have been issued. Experts recommend consuming pasteurized milk and thoroughly cooked eggs to eliminate any potential risk associated with the virus. Dr. Joseph Khabbaza of the Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of pasteurization and cooking to ensure consumer safety.
