Wholesale egg prices in the U.S. are breaking records due to a surge in bird flu cases among laying hens, resulting in reduced supplies and increased demand for holiday baking. Prices have soared, with large eggs reaching $5.57 per dozen in the Midwest and an astonishing $8.85 in California. Consumers, already facing inflation, may see even higher prices if tariffs on Chinese and Mexican goods are imposed by President-elect Donald Trump.
Farmers who avoid bird flu outbreaks are benefiting from these high prices, but consumers are feeling the impact. Retail prices for a dozen eggs have risen to over $3.60, up from $2.50 at the beginning of the year. Retailers have been hesitant to raise prices during the holiday season but may do so in the new year.
The decline in egg production and exports, coupled with the impact of bird flu on the laying hen population, is driving prices up. The virus has devastated millions of poultry birds across the country, leading to a decrease in egg production. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has revised its forecasts and expects prices to continue rising due to limited supply.
The impact of bird flu is not only felt in the poultry industry but has also affected humans, with 61 reported cases of the virus this year. Efforts are being made to develop vaccines to protect poultry and cows from the disease. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack confirmed that the USDA has allocated funds for vaccine research to combat the spread of bird flu.
It stands to reason that the Trump administration should carry on backing the advancement of vaccines. This insight was reported by Leah Douglas in Washington and Tom Polansek in Chicago, and has been edited by Matthew Lewis.
