Egg prices in America have hit a record high as the nation faces a major bird flu outbreak, with consumers dismayed by runaway prices and shortfalls. As per government figures published Wednesday, the cost of a dozen Grade A eggs averaged $4.95 in January, exceeding the previous high of $4.82 and well above the low of August 2023 of $2.04.
The surge in price is mostly due to the current avian flu pandemic, which caused the culling of almost 158 million birds. Over 41 million alone were killed during December and January to contain the spread of the virus. With egg farms sheltering millions of birds, one outbreak can substantially affect supply. It takes months to rebuild flocks, and shortages and peak prices are therefore extended.
Shoppers are getting pinched, with some markets capping purchases of eggs and shelves regularly appearing bare. Joe Trimble, owner of Encinal Market, said his orders regularly are not filled, with his inventory remaining at only 25% capacity. “Eggs are a staple,” he said. “People assume they will be there all the time.”
Inflation has also pushed up production costs, such as feed, fuel, and labor, while tighter cage-free regulations in various states have also tightened supply. Increased consumer demand and the trend for all-day breakfast restaurants have also fueled the tight market.
As Easter looms near a season when demand has long been on the rise egg prices are expected to continue to be steep for the time being, say analysts. CoBank analyst Brian Earnest cautioned that the supply shortfall could take months to replenish, stock shelves only occasionally. In spite of the disruptions, health officials assure consumers that well-cooked eggs are still safe to consume, even with the bird flu scare.
