Egg Prices on the Rise: What's Behind the Soaring Costs?

As a consumer of eggs, it's hard not to notice the spike in their prices.

While we are still recovering from the increase in food costs due to the pandemic, eggs have become more expensive as well. The media has been abuzz with this issue.

It's clear that rising food costs impact many people, with eggs being a staple in many households. Eggs are a complete source of essential amino acids (proteins) and more affordable than proteins from meat.

While there are various factors contributing to this issue, including the pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, one factor truly has egg prices through the roof, and there is no sign of improvement on the horizon.

Egg prices are through the roof because of Avian Flu

To date (Feb 2023), nearly 60 million poultry were affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S. Over 300 commercial flocks were impacted and needed to be culled.

This disease does not only impact large commercial facilities; over 440 backyard flocks were confirmed to be infected in the U.S., and birds had to be culled to prevent further spread.

Egg supply is reduced because flocks are culled. This outbreak does not just impact egg pricing.

All poultry products may be more expensive as supply decreases and demand remains the same (Data source: USDA APHIS).

Avian flu: what can you do?

The avian flu outbreak poses a significant risk not only to large commercial poultry producers, but also to any individual who raises poultry.

This highly infectious viral disease can quickly spread among birds, resulting in economic losses for poultry owners and potential threats to public health.

It is essential that all poultry owners take proactive measures to prevent and control the spread of avian flu, including proper biosecurity protocols. This way, poultry owners can help protect their flocks and reduce the risk of avian flu transmission to other birds, animals, and humans.

Learn more about Avian Flu and what you can do to prevent and recover from an outbreak. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) organized a useful webinar and answered some key questions around avian flu. USDA APHIS Webinar.

Avian flu: can it impact you?

No-one has ever reported sick after properly handling/eating contaminated poultry products. But people CAN get bird flu from handling birds. Learn more here: CDC.

This article was originally published on Poultry Extension Collaborative (PEC) and it is reproduced here with permission from the authors.