Egg prices have skyrocketed across the United States, with wholesale costs for large eggs jumping by over 150% compared to this time last year. 

The primary cause of this sharp increase is the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. 

This crisis has had far-reaching impacts on the economy, public health, and everyday consumer behavior. Let’s explore the reasons behind these soaring prices and what it means for you.

 

Record-High Egg Prices

According to statistics from commodity tracking company Expana, big eggs in the Midwest cost an average of $5.57 per dozen in December. In California, prices were even higher, peaking at a record $8.85 per dozen. 

These are the highest egg prices ever recorded in the United States, prompting many families to reconsider their grocery budgets.

Karyn Rispoli, managing editor for eggs at Expana, noted that January 2 marked the end of “three straight weeks of record-breaking daily price increases.” 

The timing has been especially challenging for households during the holiday season, a period of high demand for baking and cooking.

 

What Is Driving the Price Surge?

The ongoing bird flu outbreak is the main factor driving up egg prices. Since January 2022, the disease has spread rapidly, resulting in the deaths of millions of chickens.

During the last three months of 2024 alone, more than 20 million egg-laying hens were lost to the virus. This coincided with peak demand, creating a significant supply shortage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 129 million birds—including chickens, turkeys, and wild birds—have been affected across all 50 states. 

The high mortality rate among egg-laying hens has led to reduced production, causing both shortages and price hikes nationwide.

 

What Steps Are Being Taken?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively funding research into vaccines that could protect poultry from bird flu. While these vaccines could help prevent future outbreaks, deploying them on a large scale will take time. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack acknowledged in March 2024 that widespread vaccination of commercial poultry is a long-term solution and not immediately feasible.

Despite the challenges, experts believe these efforts could eventually transform poultry farming, reducing the likelihood of similar crises in the future. However, for now, the outbreak continues to disrupt supply chains and impact consumers.

 

Are Eggs Still Safe to Eat?

Yes, eggs remain safe to eat as long as they are cooked properly. While the outbreak has led to recalls of some dairy products, no eggs have been recalled to date. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified the bird flu outbreak as a global health emergency, providing some reassurance to consumers.

Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a critical care physician at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes that pasteurized dairy products and thoroughly cooked eggs pose no risk to human health. 

“As long as these are pasteurized and cooked properly, there’s no significant risk to people,” he explained. To stay safe, avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs and handle poultry products with care.

 

The Broader Impact

The bird flu outbreak has highlighted vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. Restaurants, bakeries, and food manufacturers reliant on eggs have faced increased costs, many of which are being passed on to consumers. For families, the higher prices mean reevaluating their grocery priorities.

Farmers have borne the brunt of the crisis, with many losing entire flocks to the disease. While some government aid has been provided, the road to recovery remains challenging, particularly for smaller farms with fewer resources.

 

How You Can Adapt

Although researchers and officials are working to address the root causes of the crisis, there are practical steps you can take to cope with rising egg prices:

1. Explore Alternatives: Plant-based egg substitutes can be an affordable and versatile option for baking and cooking.
2. Support Local Farms: Purchasing eggs from nearby farms may offer better prices and support local producers less affected by large-scale outbreaks.
3. Plan Meals Thoughtfully: Use eggs efficiently in your cooking to reduce waste and maximize value.
4. Stay Informed: Keep up with updates from the USDA and CDC to understand the latest developments and how they might affect you.

 

Final Thoughts

The bird flu outbreak has created significant challenges for farmers, businesses, and consumers alike. While long-term solutions like vaccines and improved farming practices are in development, the immediate effects are clear: higher prices and tighter budgets.

By staying informed, making thoughtful choices, and supporting local agriculture, you can help navigate this challenging time. Together, we can work toward a more resilient food system that benefits everyone in the long run.