The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs increased from $2.51 in December 2023 to $4.15 in December 2024, marking a significant rise. Experts predict that egg prices could surge by up to 20% before the end of 2025, with the average price potentially reaching nearly $5 per dozen.
The bird flu outbreak, also known as Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is driving this price increase. The US Department of Agriculture reported a record 20 million egg-laying hens died in the last quarter of 2024 due to the outbreak. Farms are left with no choice but to cull all birds in the flock, resulting in significant losses and delaying the production process.
Professor Patrick Penfield estimates that it takes approximately five months for a chicken to mature before it can lay eggs, making the current shortage even more challenging. With no vaccine or medical treatment available against bird flu, farms are relying on biosecurity practices to reduce the risk of infection.
State laws requiring cage-free eggs are also contributing to the price hike. These laws, while intended to improve animal welfare, make egg production more expensive and increase the likelihood of outbreaks like the current one. Experts warn that pasture-raised chickens, which produce the “gold standard” of eggs, may be at a higher risk of illness.
As the bird flu outbreak continues to impact the egg industry, consumers can expect to pay even more for eggs in the coming months. The record-high egg price could set a new benchmark for the industry, with prices potentially exceeding $5 per dozen by the end of 2025.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/egg-prices-may-soon-rise-expert-why-how-much