The Nation’s Retailers Struggle With Egg Shortage

different colored eggs
Adé Hennis
December 13, 2024

The price of eggs is rising because avian influenza, better known as bird flu, has struck the country’s chickens. With birds in 48 states affected by this disease since 2022, the USDA is projecting the price of eggs to continue to increase as production cools.

Bernt Nelson, an agricultural economist, explained to NBC News that the bird flu is “by far” the biggest factor affecting egg prices. “In the last couple of months alone, we’ve seen about 10 million birds affected by the virus.”

Out of the approximately 300 million egg-laying hens in the US, 40% are raised cage-free, especially in states where it’s mandatory. However, roughly 60% of bird flu cases have been traced to cage-free farms.

Western states have been hit especially hard by this flu, where the USDA reports that “during October, confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza resulted in the loss of 2.8 million egg layers in Utah, Washington, and Oregon.”

While the egg shortage may persist, experts advise against hoarding them and that for the moment, most Americans should be able to find eggs in their area.

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