Egg Prices Surge as Bird Flu Decimates U.S. Poultry Flocks

The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has led to record-high egg prices, supply shortages, and economic strain for consumers and businesses nationwide.

Egg prices have risen sharply, with the national average reaching $4.15 per dozen in December 2024, a 60% increase from the previous year, and are expected to rise another 20-45% in 2025.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has led to the culling of over 147 million birds since 2022, including 13 million in December 2024 alone, drastically reducing the egg-laying hen population.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to enforce depopulation policies to contain the virus, but rebuilding flocks takes months due to the time required for hens to mature and begin laying eggs.
Experts emphasize that consumer demand for eggs remains strong despite rising prices, with businesses like restaurants and bakeries struggling to manage costs and maintain supply.
Calls for solutions, including vaccination programs for poultry, have gained traction, but trade policy concerns and regulatory hurdles have delayed implementation in the U.S.