Egg Prices Soar Due to Nationwide Avian Influenza Outbreak
The Situation
Empty shelves and higher prices — that’s what many shoppers are finding when they head to the grocery store to buy eggs. Egg prices have been soaring recently, with the average price for a dozen Grade A eggs rising from about $3.30 in October to $4.15 in December, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why the Eggflation?
It comes down to a nationwide outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu. New cases of bird flu have emerged in nearly 25 states this month, according to the USDA and the CDC. Amid the current outbreak, some farms have had to euthanize their entire populations of birds to contain the spread of the disease.
The Impact on Farms
Kakadoodle Farm in Frankfort, Illinois, recently made the decision to kill nearly 3,000 hens. "It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions," owner Marikate Thomas told NBC News correspondent Emilie Ikeda on TODAY. "We just know that we have no control and we are just making the next best choice for our family and our farm." Crescent Duck Farm in Long Island, New York also said it would be forced to kill its flock of nearly 100,000 ducks, and is facing going out of business.
The Spread of the Virus
Since the current bird flu outbreak started in 2022, more than 135 million birds have been affected. Avian influenza is especially harmful because of how quickly it can spread from bird to bird. "Once one bird gets the flu, they all get taken out in short order," Michael Swanson, a Wells Fargo economist, said on TODAY in 2023. The virus has also been popping up in other animals, including cows, cats, skunks, and bears, with more than two dozen cases in cats since early December.
When Will Egg Prices Go Down?
With avian flu cases on the rise in recent months, egg prices at the grocery store are not likely to plummet anytime soon. In fact, they will likely get higher. Since December, more than 13 million birds have been lost nationwide due to outbreaks of avian flu, resulting in "record-high" prices as egg producers "struggled to provide a consistent supply to consumers," according to the latest USDA Egg Markets Overview.
Does Bird Flu Affect Humans?
Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans, according to the Food and Drug Administration, but occasional human infection can occur. This year, it has infected dozens of people in 10 states and spread to Canada. A patient in Louisiana with a severe case of the bird flu died earlier this month after coming into contact with non-commercial backyard flocks and wild birds, according to a release from the Louisiana Department of Health.
Conclusion
The nationwide outbreak of avian influenza has led to a significant shortage of eggs, resulting in higher prices and empty shelves. The situation is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, with egg prices expected to rise further. Consumers are advised to be aware of the situation and take necessary precautions to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
FAQs
Q: Why are egg prices so high?
A: Egg prices are high due to a nationwide outbreak of avian influenza, which has led to a significant shortage of eggs.
Q: How many birds have been affected by the outbreak?
A: More than 135 million birds have been affected by the outbreak since it started in 2022.
Q: Can humans contract bird flu?
A: Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans, but occasional human infection can occur.
Q: What can consumers do to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods?
A: Consumers should cook eggs to a safe temperature and avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
Q: Will egg prices go down soon?
A: With avian flu cases on the rise, egg prices are not likely to plummet anytime soon. In fact, they will likely get higher.
