Why are egg prices increasing? Reasons explored

Higher prices of eggs have been reported across the United States due to an outbreak of the H5N1 virus, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals including humans.

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was noticed at the end of December that, “128,907,392 wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry, and 'backyard or hobbyist flocks' had been infected by bird flu”. The numbers went “up from 111,412,626 birds on December 2.”

The virus has reportedly been found in all 50 states. As per a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “new confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in laying flocks in November and early December, and weaker lay rates, projected table egg production is lowered in 2024 and 2025.” The report further added that in November 2024 “3.97 million” table-egg layers were depopulated while “2.5 million birds” were lost in the first week of December.

Which states have been affected by the rise in egg prices?

The potential risk of Bird Flu in the US has significantly affected the prices of eggs which led to an increase. For instance, a few reports stated that in Seattle, a dozen eggs cost customers $6.99, while some retail stores are allowing only two cartons per customer. In the Midwest, a dozen eggs were reportedly priced at $6.07. It surpassed the previous record of $5.46 which was set in December 2022, a report in Axios indicated. In California, the prices reached $8.97, which is up from November 2024 and December 2024, another report informed.

Explaining the reason behind the rise in prices of eggs, Karyn Rispoli, Expana managing editor for eggs in America told Axios:

“The primary driver behind these historic prices is the ongoing spread of avian influenza, which has claimed over 20 million layers during the fourth quarter, a time that also coincides with the year's highest demand period.”

Brian Moscogiuri, a global trade strategist at Eggs Unlimited, told the outlet,

"We're moving beyond the holiday baking season but at the same time, we are continuing to monitor avian flu and the impact on supply," he said. “Production is extremely tight, probably at some of the lowest levels since avian flu started back in 2022.”

Multiple outlets like Trader Joe’s, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, and other grocery stores have reported egg shortages.

How did the outbreak happen?

The current H5N1 bird flu outbreak began in Early February 2022 in the US. The first confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported on February 8, 2022, in a commercial flock in Indiana, as per a report.

The virus spread rapidly across the country, which eventually affected several poultry farms. A report in The Seattle Times mentioned that a total of “1,859,272 birds” were affected in Washington state due to the virus.

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Some experts believe that the shortage of eggs could impact protein intake for individuals as people usually rely on eggs as they are a powerhouse of nutrition. Each egg serves 6 grams of protein. Egg contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B (B12, B2, B5).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled the current strain of avian influenza virus as a low risk to public health. As of now, eggs and poultry remain safe for consumption. Cooking at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended as it kills viruses.

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