Bird Flu Outbreaks Drive Egg Prices to Record Highs, Expected to Remain High in 2025

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The current situation with bird flu is significantly impacting egg prices, pushing them toward record highs. This is primarily due to the ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens. For instance, in November 2024, 17.2 million egg-laying hens were killed due to the bird flu outbreak. This massive reduction in the laying hen population has drastically decreased egg production, causing prices to soar.

The wholesale price for large cartoned shell eggs delivered to retailers in New York has risen to $7.24 per dozen, a significant increase from previous months. This trend is expected to continue throughout 2025, with USDA economists predicting an additional 11.4% rise in egg prices due to the ongoing outbreaks.

The bird flu outbreaks are not limited to the U.S. but are a global concern, affecting both wild birds and commercial poultry flocks. This widespread infection has led to sporadic human cases, raising red flags among health officials about the potential for a human pandemic. However, the immediate risk to the public remains low, and there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus.

In summary, the bird flu crisis is severely affecting the egg market, with prices expected to remain high throughout 2025. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing outbreaks and the culling of infected poultry, which shows no signs of abating soon.