Story perspectives

Egg Prices Soar as 23 Million Chickens Culled

2/12/2025

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Summary

Chickens Culled, Prices Surge

Over 23 million chickens were culled in December 2024 due to avian flu, worsening egg shortages.
Wholesale egg prices soared to $8 per dozen, pushing retail prices to potential record highs.
Restaurants, including Waffle House, are implementing surcharges on menu items due to rising egg costs.
Egg thefts have increased in areas like Pennsylvania and Seattle as prices rise.
Experts anticipate high prices and limited availability will persist into 2025, influenced by supply chain issues and seasonal demand.

Summary

Avian Flu Crisis

The U.S. is experiencing a severe avian flu outbreak, resulting in millions of bird losses despite biosecurity efforts.
The H5N1 virus has reached mammals, raising human infection risks with 66 cases reported since March.
Wisconsin's loss of 3.67 million birds has led to significant egg supply shortages and price increases.
Illinois health officials are on alert for potential human cases as the virus mutates among livestock.
Australia has detected a new H7N8 strain, leading to quarantine measures at a Victorian farm.

History

Historical Context

The current avian flu outbreak echoes past crises, notably the 2015 H5N2 epidemic in the U.S., which led to the culling of over 50 million birds and severe egg shortages. Historically, avian influenza outbreaks have caused significant economic losses and food insecurity, particularly affecting small-scale farmers in developing nations, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of global food systems to such diseases.

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Chickens Culled, Prices Surge

Over 23 million chickens were culled in December 2024 due to avian flu, worsening egg shortages.
Wholesale egg prices soared to $8 per dozen, pushing retail prices to potential record highs.
Restaurants, including Waffle House, are implementing surcharges on menu items due to rising egg costs.
Egg thefts have increased in areas like Pennsylvania and Seattle as prices rise.
Experts anticipate high prices and limited availability will persist into 2025, influenced by supply chain issues and seasonal demand.

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