Egg Prices Soar Amid Bird Flu Outbreak Driving Record Highs

Egg prices in the US have surged to a record high due to an ongoing bird flu outbreak, with average costs reaching USD 4.95 per dozen in January. The outbreak has led to the slaughter of millions of birds, significantly impacting egg supplies and contributing to rising food costs.

The US is grappling with record egg prices as a severe bird flu outbreak continues to devastate poultry farms. Consumers across the nation are experiencing significant price hikes, with a dozen Grade A eggs costing an average of USD 4.95 in January, according to the latest consumer price index.

This increase marks the steepest rise since the 2015 bird flu outbreak and is responsible for two-thirds of last month's food cost inflation. With Easter approaching, and an anticipated 20% increase in egg prices over the year, relief is not expected soon for consumers and businesses relying on eggs.

Compounding the supply woes, the outbreak has led to the culling of nearly 158 million birds. This disruption in supply, coupled with inflation-related costs for feed and labor, poses continued challenges for the egg farming sector.