Handout: Bird Flu and Egg Cost
A worldwide outbreak of the avian flu H5N1, or bird flu, was passed from wild waterfowl to domestic chickens and other mammals. It is at the root of a supply crisis for eggs in the US, which has seen sky-high egg prices, rationing, and shortages.
Here is what you need to know.
Trader Joe’s egg shelf in Murrieta, CA on 2/1/25.
What is bird flu, and why is it impacting our food prices?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection primarily affecting birds. It is caused by influenza A viruses typically found in wild birds, such as waterfowl and shorebirds.
Over 100 million chickens in the US have been culled since the bird flu virus outbreak began in 2022. Over 20 million chickens have been lost to the virus in the last quarter. The bird flu is worldwide, affecting over 100 countries.
Why are the prices of eggs going up but not the cost of chicken?
Egg-laying hens must be at least 6 months old to start laying eggs, while broiler chickens must only be 5 weeks old. When farmers must cull their entire flock, the meat production recovers much faster than the eggs. One hen only lays an egg about every 24 hours. It is a matter of supply and demand.
Will I catch bird flu from eating chicken or eggs? How do I stay safe?
No, the risk for catching bird flu from eating chicken or eggs is presently very low. People on farms who handle sick chickens or other animals (cows and a cat) have gotten the virus, but there are no cases in the US from eating eggs or poultry when they are prepared correctly. These practices will also protect against other foodborne illnesses.
Cook eggs until they are no longer runny, and cook the poultry until an internal temperature of 165 F is reached.
Make sure you are only buying dairy products that are pasteurized.
Do not eat raw dairy products.
Note: Bird flu is a severe disease that can be fatal to birds and, in rare cases, to humans. If you suspect bird flu in your birds or yourself, seek medical attention immediately.
When will prices come down?
According to many news channels and the USDA, egg prices might worsen for 2025 if the demand remains high and the avian flu continues to drive the supply of eggs down. Since we do not have a prevention vaccine or cure for the avian flu, farmers have to cull their flocks when it occurs.
What can you do about the cost of eggs?
Shift some of your protein choices to other types of protein, including meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, nuts, nut butter, and tofu, instead of relying on eggs in menu planning.
We have noted that cooking eggs into hardboiled eggs makes it easier to enjoy just one egg instead of 2. When you scramble eggs, two eggs never look like very much. However, the portion seems more significant when you hard boil your eggs and serve just one sliced hard-boiled egg. They are great on avocado toast or a salad.
Ideas for breakfast switches from eggs include Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, a fruit smoothie, or oatmeal.
Resources and further reading:
CDC Current situation with bird flu and humans https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/inhumans.html
USDA detection of avian virus in wild birds https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
Avian influenza in dairy products and cattle https://www.woah.org/en/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-hpai-in-cattle/
USDA egg price prediction https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_3725.pdf
