Daijiworld Media Network - Sacramento

Sacramento, Feb 25: Egg prices in the United States have surged to record levels, with wholesale costs exceeding $8 per dozen as a severe outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to devastate poultry farms nationwide.

According to the latest US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chickens and Eggs report, the country's egg-laying hen population dropped to 363 million in January 2025, marking a 3.8% decline from the previous year and the lowest level recorded since 2016. Egg production fell to 8.86 billion eggs, a 4.2% year-over-year decline, making it the lowest monthly production since the last major bird flu outbreak.

The USDA's Egg Markets Overview confirmed that egg shortages, initially confined to certain areas, now impact nearly all major markets. Demand has skyrocketed, with spot market bids outpacing offers by a factor of 10 and prices breaking records daily. By February 21, wholesale egg prices in New York reached $8.47 per dozen, while in California, they soared to $9.22 per dozen.

Massive Poultry Losses Drive Crisis

The ongoing bird flu outbreak has resulted in 36 confirmed cases across nine states, leading to the culling of 26.8 million birds in 2025 alone. The losses are heavily concentrated in conventional caged systems (19 million birds, 71%), while cage-free operations account for 7.8 million losses (29%). In January alone, 18.8 million table egg layers were lost—the highest single-month toll since the outbreak began in 2022.

Economist Bernt Nelson from the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that 43 million birds were lost in January and February, representing 25% of all birds affected since 2022. Further complicating the crisis, the USDA dismissed key personnel handling the federal response to the outbreak, raising concerns about the government's ability to contain the virus.

Food Industry and Consumers Bear the Brunt

The egg shortage is impacting businesses and consumers alike. Waffle House became the first national restaurant chain to introduce a 50-cent surcharge per egg, while Denny’s has implemented similar price increases at select locations. Grocery chains like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club have begun imposing purchase limits to manage dwindling supplies.

For consumers, the crisis means higher prices and limited availability. The USDA noted that grocery stores' purchase limits have sparked panic buying, further straining supply chains. With no immediate resolution in sight, consumers and businesses alike are bracing for continued price hikes and shortages in the coming months.