21:01 / 13.02.2025

In the US, the price of eggs has risen to a record high due to bird flu

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Egg prices have soared to record highs amid the spread of bird flu in the United States, Voice of America reports.

A pack of 12 eggs is already costing more than $7 in some parts of the country. At the same time, both stores and catering establishments are experiencing egg shortages.

"The average price of a pack of eggs has increased by more than 50 percent over the past year, and the growth rate appears to have accelerated after the presidential election in November," CNBC notes.

According to the NIQ research group, the price of a carton of eggs on January 18 was $5.29, slightly higher than the $3.50 in February last year.

Economists and analysts say the main reasons for the price increase are the highly contagious bird flu, which is killing chicken populations and reducing egg supplies, as well as high consumer demand associated with the winter holiday season.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, more than 13 million chickens have been culled in the country since December due to the bird flu epidemic.

"Bird flu is affecting poultry farms and causing shortages in the country, but this should not be an excuse for companies to sharply increase prices," said New York Attorney General Letitia James.

According to the United Egg Producers, an estimated 104 million laying hens have been culled since the bird flu outbreak began in 2022, with 29 million of those killed since October of last year.

“Additionally, drugs like Ozempic, which are designed to treat diabetes but are widely used for weight loss, are driving demand for eggs as a source of protein,” said Amanda Open, vice president of strategy for the North American food market at RELEX Solutions.

According to the Department of Agriculture, a dozen large eggs now average $7.08 in the Midwest, about seven times higher than just two years ago.

In New York, the price of cage-free eggs at Whole Foods Inc. stores has risen to $11.99. At the same time, some retail outlets in this chain have set purchase limits - according to which one customer can buy a maximum of three boxes of eggs.