Avian Flu Drives Egg Prices to Record Highs as Supply Dwindles

The ongoing bird flu outbreak has severely impacted U.S. egg production, leading to shortages and escalating costs for consumers and businesses.

Egg prices have surged nearly 40% over the past year, with USDA economists predicting an additional 11.4% increase in 2025 due to the avian flu outbreak.
More than 20 million egg-laying chickens were lost in the fourth quarter of 2024, with over 18.2 million birds affected in December alone, further straining supply chains.
Grocers and restaurants are grappling with whether to pass rising costs onto consumers, with some opting to absorb the financial hit to maintain customer loyalty.
Retail egg prices vary widely across the U.S., with some stores charging over $6 per dozen, while others, like LaBonne's Markets in Connecticut, are keeping prices lower to support customers.
Efforts to control the bird flu include government funding for vaccine trials and industry calls for patience as supply recovery could take months.