Egg Prices Are Soaring. Here’s Why That Won’t Change Anytime Soon
The Bird Flu Outbreak
Bird flu is forcing farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, pushing U.S. egg prices to more than double their cost in the summer of 2023. And it appears there may be no relief in sight, given the surge in demand as Easter approaches.
The average price per dozen nationwide hit $4.15 in December. That’s not quite as high as the $4.82 record set two years ago, but the Agriculture Department predicts prices are going to soar another 20% this year.
What is driving up prices?
The bird flu outbreak that started in 2022 is the main reason egg prices are up so much.
Anytime the virus is found on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to help limit the virus’ spread. And with massive egg farms routinely housing more than 1 million chickens, just a few infections can cause a supply crunch.
The problem tends to linger because it takes months to dispose of all the carcasses, disinfect barns, and bring in new birds.
More than 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been slaughtered since the current outbreak began, with the vast majority of them being egg-laying chickens.
Why is the virus so hard to control?
Bird flu is primarily spread by wild birds such as ducks and geese as they migrate. While it is fatal to a variety of animals, those species can generally carry it without getting sick, which offers the virus a chance to mutate and thrive.
The virus can be spread through droppings or any interaction between farm-raised poultry and wild birds. It’s also easily tracked into a farm on someone’s boots or by vehicle.
Unlike previous outbreaks, the one that began in 2022 didn’t die out in high summer temperatures.
The virus found another new host when dairy cattle started getting sick last March. That creates more opportunities for the virus to linger and spread, and unlike poultry, cattle aren’t slaughtered when they get sick because they rarely die from bird flu.
What is being done to stop the virus?
Farmers go to great lengths to protect their flocks.
Many poultry farms installed truck washes to disinfect vehicles entering their property and require workers to shower and change clothes before stepping inside a barn. They have also invested in duplicate sets of tools so nothing used in one barn is shared.
Some poultry farmers have even invested in lasers that shoot beams of green light in random patterns to discourage ducks and geese from landing.
Dairy farmers isolate any sick cattle and do additional testing before moving animals off the farm — especially if there has been a nearby outbreak or if the cows are being sent to a meat processing plant. The government is also testing milk.
How much has the outbreak cost so far?
It is impossible to know how much farmers have spent to seal barns, build shower houses for workers, or to adopt other biosecurity measures.
“Over the last five years, my small farm alone has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on biosecurity,” said Minnesota turkey farmer Loren Brey. “But not only that, it’s the time daily that you’re attending to biosecurity.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has spent at least $1.14 billion compensating farmers for the birds they have had to kill. A similar number wasn’t immediately available for how much has been spent to aid dairies.
USDA spokeswoman Shilo Weir said the department also spent more than $576 million on its own response.
Conclusion
The bird flu outbreak has had a significant impact on the egg industry, leading to a surge in prices and a shortage of eggs. While farmers are taking steps to protect their flocks and prevent the spread of the virus, it is unclear when prices will return to normal. In the meantime, consumers may need to adjust their budgets and consider alternative options for their egg needs.
FAQs
Q: Why are egg prices so high?
A: Egg prices are high due to the bird flu outbreak, which has forced farmers to slaughter millions of chickens and reduce egg production.
Q: How long will the shortage last?
A: It is unclear how long the shortage will last, but the Agriculture Department predicts prices will continue to rise another 20% this year.
Q: What can I do to find affordable eggs?
A: Consider buying large or jumbo eggs instead of organic or cage-free varieties, which are more expensive. You may also be able to find eggs at a lower price at local farmers’ markets or through a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
Q: Is it safe to eat eggs during the shortage?
A: Yes, eggs are safe to eat during the shortage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented strict biosecurity measures to ensure that eggs are safe for consumption.
