Egg prices in the United States have risen again due to a long-lasting bird flu outbreak, which coincides with increased demand for eggs during the holiday baking season. In October, the average price of a dozen eggs was $3.37, higher than last year but much lower than the peak price of $4.82 in January 2023. The American Egg Board mentioned that egg shortages are usually temporary and are often resolved within a day. The main reason for the price increase is avian influenza, which has led to the culling of over 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens, since February 2022. This has reduced the number of egg-laying hens and led to a 4% drop in egg production.

The current bird flu outbreak is particularly affecting cage-free eggs in states like California, Nevada, and Oregon, where cage-free egg laws are strict. To address this, eggs are being transported from other regions with more cage-free production. The spread of the disease has been worsened by wild birds, whose migration patterns have been disrupted by climate change and extreme weather. While rebuilding the flock will take time, the price of chicken feed has dropped, which is helping farmers.