Egg prices skyrocket amid bird flu crisis

In the United States, retail egg prices saw a significant rise, with a 13.8% increase recorded in January, following an 8.4% hike in December. According to a report released by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a Tuesday in February 2025, the projected increase in egg prices is largely attributed to the rising number of bird flu cases affecting commercial egg layers across the country. In January alone, approximately 18.8 million commercial egg layers were reported to be affected due to these outbreaks, impacting supply levels and driving prices higher. Retail prices for eggs hit an average of $4.95 per dozen in January, marking a staggering 53% increase compared to the same month the previous year. Such dramatic fluctuations in egg prices illustrate the broader implications of supply chain disruptions resulting from agricultural health issues, which are increasingly prevalent in today's farming landscape. These trends have prompted the USDA to revise its earlier predictions, which anticipated a more modest 20% price increase. The complications created by the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have led to concerns within the agricultural community regarding the sustainability of egg supply. Moreover, wholesale egg prices have also experienced upward momentum, rising by $0.40 over a 30-day period, indicating a tightening market. The USDA has pointed out that current offerings in the market are considered very light to light, with a dim outlook for substantial recovery in the near future as the bird flu crisis continues to afflict poultry stocks nationwide. This situation exacerbates challenges for consumers who face increasing costs when purchasing eggs—a staple in many American households—and could lead to cascading effects in related markets, such as poultry products. Concern over the bird flu outbreak extends beyond economic implications; human health risks are also a critical element. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has documented 70 cases of bird flu in humans, but most have been classified as mild. Despite the severity of bird flu impacts on domestic poultry, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent potential spread to wider populations. The compounding issues of public health and food security brought forth by the bird flu situation highlight the precarious balance that the agricultural sector must navigate to sustain consumer needs while safeguarding public health.