The price of eggs in the United States has experienced a dramatic surge, increasing by over 20% in recent months, largely attributed to the persistent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. This devastating disease has decimated poultry flocks across the country, significantly impacting the supply of eggs and driving up costs for consumers and businesses alike. The average cost of a dozen Grade A large eggs has more than doubled since the beginning of 2024, reaching over $4.00 per dozen by the end of the year. This sharp increase has forced consumers to adjust their budgets and has even led some restaurants, such as Waffle House, to implement temporary surcharges on egg-based menu items.
The ongoing HPAI outbreak, which began in 2022, is the primary driver of these escalating egg prices. The virus is highly contagious among poultry, requiring farmers to cull entire flocks upon detection to prevent further spread. This practice has resulted in the loss of over 145 million birds since the outbreak began, significantly reducing the supply of egg-laying hens and subsequently decreasing egg production. Experts predict that egg prices will likely remain volatile throughout the coming year, with the USDA forecasting a potential 20% increase. This ongoing uncertainty has caused concern among consumers and food businesses, with some retailers implementing limits on egg purchases to ensure equitable distribution.
The impact of HPAI on the poultry industry goes beyond just egg prices, although its effects on chicken prices have been less pronounced. While egg prices have skyrocketed, the cost of chicken has experienced a comparatively modest increase. This disparity is likely due to the different production cycles and market dynamics of eggs and chicken meat. However, the overall impact of the bird flu on the poultry industry is substantial, affecting farmers, retailers, and ultimately, consumers. The economic consequences of the outbreak, including losses in revenue and increased production costs, are felt throughout the supply chain.
The rising cost of eggs has also become a political issue, particularly in the wake of the 2024 presidential election. Republicans had previously criticized the Biden administration for rising inflation and food costs, which became a key campaign issue. Now, with President Trump in office, Democrats are scrutinizing his administration’s handling of the situation, accusing him of failing to deliver on promises to lower food prices quickly. This political back-and-forth underscores the significance of food prices as a concern for American voters and highlights the challenges faced by policymakers in addressing complex economic issues.
Beyond the economic and political implications, the HPAI outbreak raises significant public health concerns. While bird flu transmission to humans is rare, it remains a possibility, particularly for individuals who have direct contact with infected birds. The severity of human cases varies, with some resulting in mild illness and others, albeit less frequently, leading to severe complications or even death. The recent detection of a new H5N9 strain of bird flu in the U.S. further underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and monitoring of the virus’s evolution. Although this strain is not currently considered a major threat to humans, scientists are concerned about the potential for new strains to emerge and spread more easily among people.
The ongoing HPAI outbreak presents a complex challenge with far-reaching consequences. The resulting surge in egg prices is impacting household budgets, restaurant operations, and political discourse. While the long-term impact of the outbreak remains uncertain, it underscores the vulnerability of the food supply chain to disease outbreaks and the need for effective prevention and mitigation strategies. The economic and public health implications of HPAI necessitate continued vigilance, research, and collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to mitigate the effects of the virus and ensure a stable and safe food supply.
