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

The spread of H5N1 has reduced egg production by 4%, driving costs up 37.5% over the past year, with holiday demand intensifying the impact.

The average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs rose to $3.65 in November, up from $3.37 in October and $2.52 at the start of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The U.S. egg-laying hen population has dropped by 3% over the past year, with 35 million hens culled in 2024 due to H5N1 outbreaks, nearly half in the last three months.
California declared a state of emergency after bird flu spread to hundreds of dairies, with egg prices in the state reaching a record $8.85 per dozen in some areas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 61 human cases of bird flu this year, primarily among individuals exposed to infected animals, raising concerns about potential mutations.
Farmers and lawmakers are calling for accelerated development of bird flu vaccines, though export concerns and logistical challenges have delayed widespread implementation.