As avian flu scrambles the nationwide egg supply, consumers often face limited availability of the breakfast staple, with shortages expected to persist until mid-2025, according to U.S. agriculture officials.
Some supermarkets report empty shelves, and others are rationing purchases to ensure eggs remain available to all customers.
Since early November, avian flu has led to the loss or culling of more than 6.5 million egg-laying hens across the country.
Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to bolster that state’s response to the outbreak.
While the risk of human infection remains low, the virus is widespread among wild birds and can be spread to other animal species, including cows. It is affecting nearly half of California’s dairy farms.
The reduced egg supply has increased prices and limited egg availability.
The Food Marketing Institute reported an 8.2% increase in egg prices in November compared with the same period last year.
U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows wholesale egg prices averaging $3.95 per dozen in the fourth quarter, up from $3.17 in the third quarter.
Coupled with limited supply, part of the acceleration in prices is due to increased demand over the holidays.
“The cookie baking demand season for eggs is in full swing and runs a close second to the Thanksgiving season,” the department said in a statement.
The USDA says relief from the egg shortage will come slowly in 2025.
“It is expected that egg production will rebound, particularly in the second half of the year, as flocks are rebuilt,” an agency spokesperson said in an email to Bay Area News Group.
Looking ahead, the USDA projects egg production will rise by about 3% in 2025 compared with 2024, easing prices. The average price next year is expected to drop to $2.30 per dozen, with first-quarter prices averaging $2.95 per dozen.
California says it is working to limit the spread of avian flu by collaborating with farmers and ranchers on biosecurity measures. Those measures include quarantining infected farms, culling affected flocks and halting the movement of poultry and related products from infected areas. Protective zones have been established for unaffected regions, with poultry farms in those areas undergoing multiple weekly tests.
Weber Family Farms in Petaluma — located in what was once known as the “egg basket of the world” — has been hit hard by the outbreak. Mike Weber, the farm’s co-owner, said entire flocks have been culled, and while they are working to rebuild, full production is months away.
“We need rapid testing. … The most strategic thing anybody can do is vaccinations,” Weber said.
In November 2023, avian influenza swept through Sonoma County’s historic poultry region, leading to the culling of over 1 million birds.
Until farms are able to return egg production to normal, some grocery stores are taking steps to make sure there is enough supply for everyone and to prevent hoarding.
Raley’s, a California-based chain, is limiting purchases to one carton per customer at all locations.
“We have inventory but will continue to assess and adjust as necessary,” a Raley’s spokesperson said.
In the wake of the bird flu state of emergency, Weber urges the government to allocate additional funding for avian flu testing to effectively contain the outbreak and prevent further disruptions to the supply of eggs and other food products.
“(The labs) desperately need more resources,” Weber said. “They need people.They need money.”