U.S. Egg Prices Rise Sharply Due to Bird Flu and Holiday Demand
The ongoing avian flu outbreak and seasonal baking needs have driven egg prices up by 63% compared to last year, with some localized shortages reported.
- The average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities reached $3.37 in October, up from $2.07 in October 2023, though lower than the January 2023 peak of $4.82.
- The avian flu outbreak, which began in February 2022, has led to the culling of over 111 million birds, including 6 million this month alone, reducing egg production by 4%.
- Localized egg shortages have been reported in areas like Denver and Miami, but industry experts emphasize these are temporary and being resolved quickly.
- Holiday baking and cooking have increased demand for eggs, with November and December traditionally being the highest-demand months for the egg industry.
- States requiring cage-free eggs, such as California and Oregon, face additional supply challenges as cage-free production is more vulnerable to avian flu due to increased interaction with wild birds.
Today 
Al Jazeera 
The Independent 
RetailWire 
Gizmodo 
Associated Press 