Here we go again: the price of eggs is once again on the rise due to an outbreak of avian influenza in multiple states throughout the country.
The latest Consumer Price Index data shows retail egg prices were up more than 28% in August compared to last year.
The average wholesale price for a dozen eggs was $3.20 in August, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's an increase of 12 cents since July, 49 cents since June and 51 cents since May. It's also up from $2.04 a year ago and nearly three times the pre-pandemic price of $1.21 in August 2019.
Egg production in August was 3% lower than a year ago, according to the Department of Agriculture. The number of egg-laying chickens also dropped in August for the second month in a row.
And it's all because of the highly transmissible avian influenza that has killed millions of egg-laying chickens nationwide. The outbreak started in early 2022 and has grown into the largest bird flu outbreak in United States history.
As of September, more than 100.7 million birds have been affected by the virus since January 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases have been reported in 48 states and at major U.S. egg producers.
In July, the virus was detected at several commercial egg facilities in Weld County, Colorado, affecting more than 3.4 million chickens, according to the CDC. In May, outbreaks at egg-laying facilities in Iowa and Minnesota impacted nearly 5.7 million birds. And earlier this year, another 8.4 million egg-laying birds were lost to outbreaks in Michigan and Texas.
Still, eggs aren't nearly as expensive as they were in early 2023, when the average price for a dozen spiked at $4.82 -- though in some locations, people were paying as much as $7. At the same time, experts warn that prices could climb higher if infections continue to spread.
Avian influenza spreads quickly and can be fatal to flocks and devastating to poultry owners. The virus infects poultry and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. The virus can spread through the droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, both of which can contaminate dust and soil. Experts say it can also spread through contaminated equipment, clothing and boots.
Once the virus is discovered, the entire flock is killed to control the disease.
Although it is possible for humans to become infected with avian influenza, the CDC states that the virus does not spread easily from animals to humans.
The CDC also maintains that influenza detections in birds do not present a public health concern, and that it remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.