US Egg Prices Surge to Record Highs Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

A combination of avian flu, supply chain challenges, and consumer demand has driven egg prices to unprecedented levels, prompting government intervention and public outcry.

Egg prices in the US have reached an average of $4.95 per dozen, more than doubling over the past year, with some areas reporting prices as high as $15 per dozen.
The ongoing avian flu outbreak has led to the culling of over 166 million birds since 2022, significantly reducing the population of egg-laying hens and disrupting supply chains.
The Trump administration has announced a $1 billion federal plan to combat the crisis, including investments in biosecurity, farmer aid, vaccine research, and potential egg imports from countries such as Canada and Turkey.
Consumers and businesses are feeling the strain: retailers are limiting egg purchases, some restaurants are adding surcharges for egg-based dishes, and smuggling attempts from Mexico have surged by 158% over the past year.
Critics have raised concerns about potential price gouging by large egg producers, with calls for investigations into whether corporations are unfairly profiting from the crisis.