Egg Prices Climb Amid Bird Flu Crisis, Experts Warn of Continued Impact

COLUMBIA, Mo. –

Americans can expect to pay more for eggs in 2025, as Avian flu continues to hurt commercial and backyard livestock nationwide.

According to the US Department of Agriculture , egg prices are predicted to increase by 20.3% in 2025.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average cost of eggs increased from $3.65 in November to $4.15 in December. Compared to December 2023, the bureau found that egg prices increased by 36% in December 2024.

According to the USDA National Retail Report of South Central U.S., Missouri’s region, brown eggs cost around $2.50 while nutritionally enhanced white eggs cost $4.99. According to the department’s Shell-Eggs Report , this price is expected to increase by about 54 cents for large and extra large eggs and $1.35 for medium eggs .

In the past month, a commercial egg farm in Newton, Missouri, had to euthanize over 2 million chickens due to bird flu, making Missouri the second-highest state in the last 30 days with the most confirmed bird flu cases by the USDA .

The Missouri Department of Agriculture encourages people to stay away from wild birds, specifically waterfowl and to wash hands and shoes after handling birds even in a backyard coop.

Price Surge at the Grocery Store

As egg production has declined, grocery store prices have risen dramatically. According to the latest reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average cost of a dozen large eggs has nearly doubled in the past year. Some regions have seen even higher increases, with prices spiking by more than 70% in certain areas.

This price hike has left many consumers frustrated and searching for alternatives. Restaurants, bakeries, and food producers who rely on eggs as a key ingredient are also feeling the impact, with many raising their prices or finding it difficult to maintain supply.

The Ripple Effect

The rise in egg prices is not just a problem for consumers at the checkout line. The agricultural industry as a whole is facing a ripple effect from the bird flu crisis. Poultry farmers who have not been directly affected by the virus are struggling with higher feed and operational costs, while egg producers who have seen their flocks wiped out are scrambling to rebuild.

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Additionally, many consumers are now turning to alternatives like plant-based egg substitutes or cutting back on egg-based dishes altogether, which could further disrupt demand for eggs in the coming months.

“The entire supply chain is impacted,” says John Roberts, an agricultural economist. “Farmers are having to make difficult decisions, and the longer this crisis lasts, the more severe the long-term consequences could be for both producers and consumers.”

Experts Warn of Continued Impact

As bird flu outbreaks continue to affect poultry farms, experts are cautioning that the rise in egg prices may not be a temporary blip. The virus is expected to remain a significant threat in the near future, particularly during peak migration seasons when wild birds—often carriers of the disease—travel across the country.

“While we hope for a resolution, the bird flu is a persistent issue, and it’s difficult to predict when it will subside completely,” Dr. Williams explains. “Until then, it’s likely we’ll see continued volatility in egg prices.”

Farmers and poultry industry leaders are working with federal and state authorities to implement preventative measures, including improved biosecurity practices to protect flocks from the virus. However, until these efforts take full effect, egg prices are expected to remain elevated.

What Consumers Can Expect

For consumers, the immediate future may bring more sticker shock when it comes to eggs. Experts predict that prices may continue to fluctuate depending on the severity of the bird flu outbreaks, as well as the time it takes for the poultry industry to recover. However, some relief could come in the form of increased egg production if the virus is contained and more hens are able to remain healthy.

In the meantime, consumers are advised to consider alternative protein sources, such as dairy products, legumes, and plant-based egg substitutes, to offset rising costs. Some shoppers are also opting for local farms or small producers that may be less affected by the bird flu, though these options may also carry higher prices due to supply and demand pressures.

The bird flu crisis continues to have a profound effect on egg prices, with consumers and producers alike feeling the squeeze. While efforts are underway to contain the virus and restore egg production to pre-crisis levels, experts warn that the price surge may persist for some time.

As the situation unfolds, consumers may need to adjust their purchasing habits, and the broader agricultural industry must adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by this unprecedented outbreak.

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