The cost of eggs in the U.S. has skyrocketed, with wholesale prices climbing to an unprecedented $7.30 per dozen, according to USDA data. This marks a sharp rise from $5 at the start of the year and nearly triple the price compared to last year. The spike is largely attributed to a devastating bird flu outbreak, which has led to the culling of nearly 70 million chickens since early 2024.
Compounding concerns is the recent discovery of an H5N1 bird flu variant in U.S. dairy cow herds. While health officials emphasize that the risk to humans remains low, the outbreak has claimed one life among 67 confirmed cases. For now, human-to-human transmission is rare, but the situation is being closely monitored.
The soaring egg prices have reignited debates over supply chain vulnerabilities and food security in the U.S. As farmers grapple with the epidemic’s fallout, many question when—or if—the cost of this breakfast staple will return to normal.
Source: USDA