Bird flu threatens egg shortage

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 16. 11:27

The United States has been hit hard by the highly contagious bird flu, which has wreaked havoc on the laying hen population. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 17.2 million laying hens died in November and December 2024, nearly half of the total flock. The event led to a national egg shortage and significant price increases.

Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, said that replacing the lost flock will not happen overnight. “Recovery will be a six- to nine-month process that will cause temporary and localized shortages in certain markets,” Metz said. Fewer laying hens will produce fewer eggs, which will lead to emptier shelves and higher prices in stores.

The average price of a carton of eggs at the end of December 2024 was $4.33, a 25% increase from the beginning of November, according to the American Egg Board. Egg prices rose 37.5% in November compared to the same period the previous year, according to the Consumer Price Index. This dramatic price increase has further heightened consumer concerns.

The shortages experienced across the country have had a noticeable impact on grocery stores. A sign on the emptier shelves of a King Cullen supermarket in New York greeted shoppers: “Some varieties of eggs are out of stock due to bird flu.” Publix, which has nearly 1,500 grocery stores nationwide, reported a similar situation.