Nationwide Egg Shortage Linked to Bird Flu Outbreaks
Reports of Empty Shelves
Shoppers may notice something missing from shelves at grocery stores ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday this week. A nationwide egg shortage is reportedly leading to empty shelves at many grocery stores across the U.S.
Causes of the Shortage
The main reason behind the shortage is bird flu. H5N1 bird flu has been spreading widely in the U.S. among wild birds, poultry, and other animals over the last few years.
Recent Outbreaks
The most recent outbreaks have been reported in Utah, Washington, and Oregon.
Impact on Egg Prices
"Bird flu is by far the biggest impactor affecting egg prices right now," Agricultural economist Bernt Nelson told NBC News. "In the last couple of months alone, we’ve seen about 10 million birds alone affected by the virus. And as we go on and the migration continues, we are always going to be watching to see what happens with avian influenza."
Egg Supply Chain
Nelson noted that while there is still a "very strong supply of eggs in the supply chain," the issues are leading to "isolated pockets" where eggs may not be readily available.
American Egg Board Statement
The American Egg Board echoed Nelson’s sentiments. "America’s egg farmers understand that eggs are essential to holiday entertaining and baking. We are aware some shoppers may be experiencing shortages of their favorite eggs at the grocery store, and we share their frustration," Marc Dresner, communications director for the American Egg Board, told NBC Chicago in a statement.
Consequences of the Shortage
Dresner said an estimated 24 million hens have been lost due to avian influenza in the U.S. in 2024, including 5 million since October. "This has temporarily disrupted the egg supply in certain geographic areas and in states or stores where there are restrictions on what type of eggs may be sold. While we understand how frustrating this is, we expect any shortages to be localized and short-lived, as egg farmers work to replenish those stocks," he said.
USDA Report
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reported bird flu was behind slowed egg production, which is down 2.6% from 2023 so far.
Current Egg Prices
The average price of a dozen eggs this fall is up from last year, though they are still not the highest they’ve been in recent years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices dropped for the first time in several months in October, following an average high of $3.82 in September. Prices dipped in October to $3.37, though that number remains the second-highest for the year so far, following a low of $2.52 in January.
Market Analysis
According to Caitlinn Hubbell, market research analyst at Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability, egg demand is considered "inelastic," meaning consumers will usually buy the same amount regardless of price increases. On the flip side, she noted that consumers usually won’t stock up when they see lower costs. That means eggs may see big price changes from small changes in supply, she told CNBC, underscoring the impact of bird flu outbreaks on prices.
Conclusion
The egg shortage is expected to be short-lived, as egg farmers work to replenish their supplies. However, the impact on prices remains to be seen. As Nelson noted, "The thing about avian influenza is it’s in a constant state of change. As we see these changes in the uptick in the outbreaks, we ride the waves, you know, the ebb and flow of this virus."
FAQs
- Why is there an egg shortage?
The main reason behind the shortage is bird flu, which has been spreading widely in the U.S. among wild birds, poultry, and other animals. - What is the impact on egg prices?
Egg prices are up from last year, and may continue to fluctuate due to the ongoing bird flu outbreaks. - How long will the shortage last?
The shortage is expected to be short-lived, as egg farmers work to replenish their supplies. However, the impact on prices remains to be seen. - What is the cause of the bird flu outbreaks?
The exact cause of the bird flu outbreaks is still unknown, but experts believe it is linked to the migration patterns of wild birds.
