The US is facing a shortage of eggs due to the widespread outbreak of bird flu, leading to a significant increase in prices. The current situation is expected to last for several months.
There’s no quick fix for soaring egg prices and their limited supply. The bird flu is ravaging the nation’s egg-laying flock in yet another seasonal upswing for the disease, says Brian Moscogiuri, an analyst who tracks the industry for Irvine-based distributor Eggs Unlimited. Destroying infected birds is slashing the nation’s ability to keep up with demand. It’s a shortfall that will take months to repair. As a result, the average price of a dozen eggs in California on Monday was $8.
97, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s more than double the $4.06 price at last year’s start. In 2023, amid another bird flu outbreak, the price of eggs began the year at $7.37, compared with $2.35 at the beginning of 2022 or $1.34 in 2021. “The virus has returned nearly every spring and fall, mainly through wild migratory birds,” Moscogiuri says. “However, the scope seems to be getting broader, with more types of animals being impacted and potentially aiding the spread.” The key is the loss of egg makers. Moscogiuri says the industry is down 20 million hens to flu in the past three months out of the nation’s typical 312 million flock. California farmers culled 9 million egg layers in 2024’s last two months alone.Daniel Sumner, an agriculture professor at UC Davis, says California prices have surged sharply because state law requires “cage free” living for hens. The current version of this flu has been especially rough on this type of chicken.Nationally, U.S. consumers are paying $4.81 a dozen to start the year, according to the Urner Barry Egg Index. That’s up $3.20 — or triple – late September’s most recent low. Previous bird flu outbreaks pushed U.S. egg prices to $3.07 in March 2023. Across Southern California, egg prices vary wildly among merchants, assuming they even have any eggs to sell. Egg shelves are empty on various days everywhere, from small grocers to giants like Trader Joe’s and Costc
BIRD FLU EGG PRICES SHORTAGE CONSUMER PRICES AGRICULTURE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bird Flu Ravages Egg Supply, Driving Prices SoaringThe United States is facing a severe shortage of eggs due to another outbreak of avian influenza. Millions of egg-laying hens have been culled, leading to a significant drop in production and skyrocketing prices. The average price of a dozen eggs in California has surged to $8.97, more than double last year's price.
Read more »
Okami 2 Reveal Sends Resale Prices SoaringThe announcement of Okami 2 has caused a surge in demand for the original Okami game, driving up resale prices significantly.
Read more »
Even in L.A. County's solidly middle-class towns, home prices are soaring out of reachOne Alhambra family tried an extreme fix: finding a home in Ontario and commuting three hours to keep their jobs and maintain school ties.
Read more »
US Egg Production Falls 4% in November Amid Rising Prices and Bird FluEgg production in the United States declined by 4% in November 2024, reaching 8.92 billion eggs, due to persistent high egg prices and the ongoing impact of bird flu. The USDA reported a 3% decrease in the number of egg-laying hens, contributing to the supply shortage. Experts predict that egg prices will remain elevated in 2025 unless the spread of bird flu is effectively controlled.
Read more »
US Egg Production Declines Amid Rising Prices and Bird FluThe USDA reports a 4% drop in US egg production for November 2024, attributing the decline to rising egg prices and the ongoing impact of bird flu. Experts anticipate these trends to continue into 2025 unless bird flu infections subside.
Read more »
U.S. Egg Production Drops Amid Rising Prices and Bird Flu ConcernsThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports a 4% decline in egg production for November 2024. This decrease is attributed to rising egg prices and the ongoing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as 'bird flu'. The USDA also notes a 3% decrease in the number of egg-laying hens.
Read more »