Egg Prices Surge as Avian Flu Devastates Poultry Flocks

The ongoing bird flu outbreak has led to significant hen losses, driving egg prices to record highs and reshaping consumer habits.

The average price of a dozen large eggs in the U.S. rose to $4.15 in December 2024, a 36.8% increase from the previous year, with some regions reporting prices as high as $9 per dozen.
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has caused over 135 million bird deaths since 2022, including 20 million egg-laying hens in late 2024 alone, severely reducing egg supply.
States like Michigan have introduced new cage-free housing laws, further impacting egg production and contributing to higher costs for consumers.
Consumers are adapting by purchasing fewer eggs, exploring plant-based substitutes, and turning to local farms, which have seen increased demand for fresh eggs.
Experts predict prices will remain elevated throughout 2025 as farmers face months-long recovery periods to rebuild flocks, with no immediate solutions to the avian flu crisis in sight.