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

Avian flu outbreaks have killed millions of egg-laying hens, driving shortages, price hikes, and import efforts from Turkey.

The U.S. is facing a severe egg shortage as avian flu has killed over 140 million egg-laying birds since 2022, with 22 million affected in just the first two months of 2025.
Egg prices have skyrocketed, with the average cost of a dozen reaching $4.95 in January 2025, and some areas reporting prices as high as $8.97.
Major retailers like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Kroger have imposed purchase limits on eggs, while Waffle House has added a 50-cent surcharge per egg to offset rising costs.
To address the supply gap, the U.S. is increasing egg imports from Turkey, with 420 million eggs expected in 2025, though experts warn this will not fully resolve the shortage.
Climate change is indirectly exacerbating the spread of avian flu by altering bird migration patterns, while the USDA has issued a conditional license for a chicken vaccine despite trade concerns.