The Impact of Bird Flu on Egg Prices

The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has significantly affected the poultry industry, causing a drastic reduction in egg supply. With mortality rates of 90-94% in infected flocks, around 50 million birds have been lost recently, exacerbating an already critical shortage. This supply reduction has led to soaring egg prices, with costs rising from approximately $2 per dozen last fall to as high as $9.99 in some areas. As a result, many consumers are facing additional surcharges at restaurants and grocery stores, highlighting the inelastic demand for eggs despite their increasing prices.