California Egg Prices Soar to Nearly $9 Per Dozen Due to Bird Flu Outbreak
A devastating avian flu outbreak has led to the culling of millions of hens, creating severe shortages and driving record-high egg prices in California.
- Egg prices in California have surged by nearly 70% in the past month, reaching $8.97 per dozen, with some stores charging even more.
- The price spike is attributed to a bird flu outbreak that has resulted in the culling of nearly 6 million egg-laying hens across key counties, including Merced and Stanislaus.
- California's strict cage-free egg laws have intensified shortages, as demand peaked during the holiday season when supplies were already strained.
- The USDA reports that the U.S. egg-laying flock has dropped to its lowest levels since 2022, with national egg production unlikely to stabilize before mid-2025.
- Small businesses and consumers are struggling with the economic impact of high egg prices, while state and federal measures aim to mitigate the crisis and support recovery.
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