In April 2025, consumers experienced a slight relief in egg prices, sparking widespread discussions. Despite the welcomed decrease, prices remain at historic highs. The question on everyone’s mind is, why? The answer lies in the persistent presence of bird flu.
The primary factor keeping egg prices high is the ongoing outbreak of bird flu, which reemerged in 2022 and since has become endemic, with outbreaks on industrial farms linked to seasonal migratory bird patterns. In the fall of 2024, a new strain of bird flu emerged on US farms, D1.1, which has proven exceptionally virulent, resulting in the culling of millions of birds and severely impacting supply chains. Beyond industrial poultry, the D1.1 strain has also been linked to human illness and death, raising public health concerns and emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and containment efforts.
The U.S. egg market is dominated by massive industrial farms, where millions of birds are packed tightly together in crowded, often unsanitary conditions. This environment creates a breeding ground for disease, making the birds more susceptible to infections like bird flu. In such settings, if a single bird becomes ill, the virus can rapidly spread throughout the entire flock, leading to widespread outbreaks. This contrasts sharply with Canadian practices, where the average farm size is roughly 25,000 birds. The smaller farm sizes and a stringent supply management system help contain the spread of disease and maintain stable egg prices. The structural vulnerability of U.S. farms underscores the need for systemic changes to address these health and economic challenges.
The USDA’s handling of the bird flu situation has come under scrutiny. Mass firings of federal staff dedicated to bird flu response and the shutdown of communication channels about the virus’s status have hindered efforts to contain it effectively. These actions have left many questioning whether federal regulators are inadvertently making the crisis worse. A Farm Forward investigation revealed how USDA policies are exacerbating the outbreak and has left the U.S. egg industry vulnerable to recurring outbreaks, further driving up prices and prolonging economic instability for consumers.
As the U.S. continues to battle ongoing outbreaks, the USDA Economic Research Service predicts further price increases. With no significant containment in sight, consumers should prepare for continued price hikes. While the USDA has tools available to contain the virus, such as vaccinations for poultry, US regulators have been unwilling to take bold action because such steps might hurt poultry industry profits.
While April 2025 offered a brief respite in egg prices, the reality is that bird flu continues to exert significant pressure on the market. Understanding this virus’s cyclical nature and its effect on supply chains is crucial for consumers and industry stakeholders alike. As we move forward, the focus must remain on effective containment strategies to stabilize prices and ensure a reliable egg supply.
Dive deeper into the complexities of bird flu and its impact on the egg market by exploring our comprehensive report, “Cracks in the System: Why U.S. Egg Prices Won’t Drop Until Poultry Farming Changes.” The report provides in-depth analysis and insights into the challenges facing the poultry industry and the necessary steps to achieve long-term stability. Access the full report here.
Read the reportQui, Linda. “Egg Prices and Economic Claims: A Fact Check.” The New York Times, The New York Times Company, 3 Apr. 2025.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Consumer Price Index Average Price Data: Eggs, Grade A, Large, Per Doz. in U.S. City Average, Average Price, Not Seasonally Adjusted,” data extracted April 29, 2025.
Nsikan Akpan, “U.S. Egg Prices See Largest Jump Since 1980 as Bird Flu Outbreaks Continue,” Think Global Health, March 12, 2025.
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), “Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks;” USDA APHIS, “Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals.”
United States Department of Agriculture, “Egg Markets Overview,” April 25, 2025.