OMAHA, Neb. — The ongoing bird flu outbreak has pushed egg prices to unprecedented levels, making it clear to consumers that eggs are becoming increasingly expensive and occasionally hard to find. The latest monthly consumer price index revealed that the average cost for a dozen Grade A eggs reached $4.95 in January, surpassing the former record of $4.82 set two years ago and significantly higher than the $2.04 price reported in August 2023.
The surge in egg prices this year marks the most significant increase since the last bird flu outbreak in 2015, contributing to about two-thirds of the total rise in food costs for the previous month, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prices can vary greatly across the nation, with a carton of eggs costing $10 or more in certain areas, and specialty types, including organic and cage-free options, commanding even higher prices.
Jon Florey, a shopper at Encinal Market in Alameda, California, shared, “We do use eggs a little less often now. You know, because of the price.” He had plans for a quiche calling for six eggs but decided to opt for something different instead.
As for when egg prices might return to more manageable levels, experts indicate that consumers shouldn’t expect relief anytime soon. Egg prices typically climb around the Easter holiday due to increased demand, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated last month that egg prices could rise an additional 20% this year.
Shoppers may also face challenges in finding eggs at times, as many grocery stores struggle to keep their stock replenished. Customers are encountering limits on the number of egg cartons they can buy, and some retailers are implementing surcharges. Joe Trimble, the owner of Encinal Market, shared that he often receives only about 25% of the eggs he orders, leaving shelves visibly empty.
“It’s something you don’t think about until you look at the shelf and it’s nearly empty,” Trimble noted, emphasizing the importance of having eggs available, akin to milk. Consumers often seek eggs for staple meals on weekends, such as scrambled or over-easy styles.
The primary factor behind the soaring egg prices is the current bird flu outbreak. When the virus affects a farm, entire flocks may be culled to prevent further spread of disease. With some egg farms housing millions of birds, a single outbreak can significantly impact egg availability. Since the outbreak began, nearly 158 million birds have been culled.
The Agriculture Department reported that over 23 million birds were slaughtered just last month, with more than 18 million killed in December to curb the spread of the virus. While these numbers include other poultry species, the bulk pertains to layers of chickens.
Additionally, the process of managing an outbreak includes several months of disposing of dead birds, sanitizing facilities, and raising new chicks until they are mature enough for egg production, which prolongs the supply challenges.
Bird flu cases tend to peak in spring and fall during wild bird migrations—the main carriers of the virus—but can occur at any time. The virus has also affected other animals, with dozens of individuals, primarily farmworkers, experiencing illness.
Despite concerns, health officials maintain that the threat to human health remains low, assuring that eggs and poultry are safe for consumption. Sick animals are excluded from the food supply, and proper cooking measures effectively eliminate any viruses.
Several additional factors are also contributing to rising egg prices. Farmers increasingly face higher costs for feed, fuel, and labor while investing in biosecurity measures to safeguard their flocks. Moreover, states have enacted laws mandating the sale of eggs only from cage-free environments, which limit supply and impact prices, especially when outbreaks affect these specific farms. Recently, many outbreaks occurred at cage-free farms in California, further exacerbating the situation.
Demand for eggs has significantly increased in recent years, fueled by consumer preferences and the rise of all-day breakfast establishments. Brian Earnest, an analyst at CoBank, indicated that while the current high prices might dissuade some consumers from buying them, this may not alleviate the demand pressure significantly. Addressing the supply shortfalls may take time, with Easter approaching potentially prolonging the tight supplies. As prices continue to soar, producers of baked goods and other products reliant on eggs may face tough decisions on how to adjust their pricing or production levels.
