In recent months, the egg market in the United States has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a remarkable decline in prices and the stabilization of supply. This shift is largely attributed to a decrease in losses from the highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, which had wreaked havoc on the egg-laying hen population.
As of late April 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a notable 10.5% decrease in the average price consumers paid for eggs—a welcome relief after a tumultuous period when prices soared to unprecedented heights. At one point, the average wholesale price of large, white eggs exceeded $8 per dozen, with retail prices climbing as high as $10 in certain regions. Such spikes had left consumers scrambling for alternatives and forced many to reconsider their grocery budgets.
The dramatic rise in prices was primarily fueled by catastrophic losses in egg-laying hens due to the bird flu outbreak, which peaked in early 2025. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 31.3 million hens were lost to the disease, with the worst effects felt in January and February. This significant reduction in supply created a perfect storm for price inflation, as consumers faced a dwindling availability of this staple food item.
Fortunately, the situation began to improve by the end of February, as the rate of new infections and poultry losses dropped sharply. March and April saw only about 1.2 million birds lost to the virus, signaling a turning point for the industry. As a result, the USDA’s latest Egg Markets Overview report from May 9 indicated that the average wholesale price had fallen to $3.36 per dozen, while retail prices settled at a more manageable $3.07 for a dozen large, conventionally raised eggs.
This decline in egg prices has not gone unnoticed at the highest levels of government. The White House recently proclaimed that egg prices experienced “the largest one-month decline in more than four decades,” a statement that reflects both the economic realities and the political implications of food prices on the American public. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has responded by promising a new approach to disease control, though the USDA continues to endorse the stringent policy of culling entire flocks upon detection of the virus, a practice that is crucial for maintaining biosecurity.
The latest outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, which has persisted since February 2022, remains a serious concern for poultry farmers across North America. The disease’s transmission is believed to be closely tied to migratory bird patterns, making it a particularly challenging foe to manage. Experts suggest that the seasonality of the virus underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive measures to protect poultry health.
With the egg industry being heavily reliant on large-scale operations, a single outbreak can lead to the culling of over a million birds. Farmers are compelled by U.S. veterinary policy to follow strict depopulation protocols, and those who fail to comply risk losing eligibility for government indemnity payments designed to mitigate financial losses. This creates a precarious situation for farmers who must balance biosecurity with economic viability.
As consumers continue to navigate the evolving landscape of food prices, the recent downturn in egg costs provides a glimmer of hope. However, the lessons learned from the bird flu crisis highlight the fragility of food supply chains and the importance of robust agricultural policies. Moving forward, the industry will need to adapt and innovate to ensure resilience against future outbreaks, while consumers can only hope for stability in the prices of eggs and other essential food items. The interplay between agriculture, economics, and public health will remain a vital area of focus as we advance deeper into 2025.
