The United States is facing an egg shortage, with prices skyrocketing by 38% in the last year. The average cost of one dozen eggs has increased from $2.14 in November 2023 to $3.65 in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.
The main reason for the current egg dilemma is the highly contagious bird flu outbreak, H5N1, which emerged among poultry flocks and wild birds in Europe in 2020 before spreading to the US, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The virus has affected over 130 million poultry across 50 US states since January 2022.
“We’re facing a tight supply of laying hens due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which is devastating to egg farmers,” said Emily Metz, President & CEO of the American Egg Board. “The demand for eggs remains the same, but our supply is dwindling.”
Another factor contributing to the issue is inflation, with rising labor costs and logistics expenses hitting the agricultural industry hard. Additionally, seasonal demand for eggs peaks around the holidays, making it a perfect storm of timing.
“It’s not just about bird flu; it’s also about the timing,” Metz said. “We’re coming out of winter holidays when egg sales are highest, which means high demand and low supply.”
While farmers are working to replenish their stock of healthy laying hens, it’s unclear when supply will stabilize. The outbreak remains an ongoing threat, and farmers have had experience fighting the disease, but it may take time for them to recover.
The situation has already led to a surge in consumer demand, with some local grocery stores limiting shopper purchase amounts to two dozen. Experts warn that prices may get worse before they get better, potentially leading to higher prices for meat and dairy products as well.
The US egg shortage is expected to continue until farms can recover their stock of healthy laying hens, making it essential for consumers to consider alternative forms of protein. The current situation highlights the importance of understanding the supply chain and timing when it comes to food demand.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/01/09/egg-prices-shortage-bird-flu/77514072007