The Not-So-Sunny Side of Egg Prices in America

This beloved breakfast food is now causing economic stress among American consumers. Photo via Pexels.

An avian-influenza epidemic is disrupting American breakfasts across the country. It is an egg-sistential crisis. 

There are a number of factors that could be the culprit of the surge of egg prices. Inflation, market surges, cost of feed or power. But one factor, according to USA Today, takes the cake: an avian flu. 

What is bird flu exactly?

According to CBS News, bird flu is carried by free-flying waterfowl, such as ducks, geese and shorebirds, and infects chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl.

As reported by USA Today, this flu has killed over 57 million birds across 47 states. This epidemic has been causing surges in the egg market since 2022. This is not the first time the United States has had to deal with this sort of crisis. The last bout of bird flu, reported CNBC, was in 2015 when 50.5 million birds were killed. Until now, this was a record. 

Now the United States is dealing with a similar issue in 2023. This time, almost 7 million more birds, and 26 more states are being affected, reported Forbes There are many problems present when discussing avian flu. According to CNBC, bird flu is an incredibly contagious disease, and spreads from bird to bird rather quickly. Avian flu is one of the most lethal diseases, with an approximate death rate of 90%-100% of birds who obtain it. It also works efficiently and kills its feathered victims within 48 hours. To put into perspective the effect this flu has on egg prices, comparisons from the beginning of 2022 to the present are necessary.

According to Forbes, the media price for a dozen eggs in the United States is $4.25, compared to the measly $1.78 from the year before. On top of rising inflation rates, and increased egg consumption within the United States, America’s beloved breakfast food is becoming unbearable to purchase.

In terms of consumption, eggs have surpassed other proteins like beef and venison with the United States. A Los Angeles Times reporter, Sonja Sharp said, “Each of us eats about as many eggs as one hen can lay a year.” Sharp also said that “prices will likely not fall again until after new chickens are born without the infection and grow to egg-laying age”

In recent news, egg prices have begun to drop, falling as low as $2.61 per dozen as opposed to the peak of $5.43 it reached before according to CNBC. Brian Moscogiuri, global trade strategist at Eggs Unlimited, said, “A prolonged period without setbacks in egg production has given suppliers a reprieve and the market time to recover.”

There is light at the end of the tunnel for egg lovers in America.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), recognizes the seriousness of the bird flu and has taken two major epidemics within a short span of time into account. According to CBS News, the organization has already started the research towards a potential vaccine.

For egg lovers, this epidemic has been difficult. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. America will hopefully soon again be eating their cherished breakfast food, at an affordable price.