Bird Flu Drives U.S. Egg Prices to Record Highs

Egg shortages and price hikes are linked to a historic avian flu outbreak that has decimated poultry flocks since 2022.

Wholesale egg prices have surged, with Midwest prices reaching $6.07 per dozen and California prices hitting $8.85, marking record highs.
The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has affected nearly 129 million birds across all 50 U.S. states, severely reducing egg production.
Over 20 million egg-laying hens were lost in the last quarter of 2024, coinciding with peak holiday demand and exacerbating supply shortages.
California has declared a state of emergency to combat the spread of bird flu, while Michigan's new cage-free egg law has added further strain on supply and pricing.
The USDA is funding research into poultry vaccines, but officials caution that widespread vaccination is not feasible in the short term.