U.S. egg prices soar to record high as avian flu outbreak worsens supply shortage

An outbreak of avian influenza has significantly reduced the U.S. egg-laying hen population, causing wholesale egg prices to reach a record high of $5.40 per dozen. This surpasses the previous peak of $4.65 in December 2022. In the last month, 15.5 million birds have been infected, and about 20 million egg-laying hens died in late 2024. All major egg production systems, including cage-free and organic, have faced substantial losses. As a result, consumers are experiencing egg shortages and rising prices at grocery stores, with some reporting prices as high as $10 per dozen. The situation is expected to continue affecting supply.