Bird flu outbreaks could make increasing egg costs even worse

Egg prices have been increasing for months -- and it could get worse as poultry farms nationwide deal with bird flu outbreaks.

The average price for a dozen eggs was $3 in February -- up from around $2 in the fall.

Prices now are at their highest level since April 2023, and relief may be a long way off.

Cal-Maine foods, America's largest egg producer, said this week it culled about 1.6 million hens and hundreds of thousands of young chickens.

Some had tested positive for bird flu at a Texas facility.

Cal-Maine produces brands like Egg-land's best and Land o’ Lakes eggs.

The last time bird flu pushed egg prices up, they hit a record of $4.82 early last year.

Cal-Maine later reported its profits surged more than 700%.

It’s the second year in a row consumers have faced sticker shock ahead of Easter and Passover, both occasions in which eggs play prominent roles.

Even when avian flu dissipates, it can take a long time for the egg market to settle. It takes a farm three to six months to replenish a flock, so during that time, egg supplies are lower and prices rise, said Emily Metz, president of the American Egg Board, a marketing organization.