Egg Prices Surge 50% Amid Avian Flu and Cage-Free Mandates

The cost of a dozen eggs in the United States has surged by 50% over the past year, with prices rising even more rapidly since November—the month of Donald Trump’s election—based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As of the week ending January 18, the price for a dozen eggs reached $5.29, marking a significant increase from February 2024, when they were just above $3.50 per dozen, according to data from the NIQ consumer research group. © Doral Chenoweth / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Experts unanimously attribute the egg shortages to the avian bird flu. Over 39.9 million egg-laying hens have been lost to the virus across 12 U.S. states since November 2024.

“We can’t begin fixing it the next day. It is really a six-to-nine month process,” explains Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. © Stacey Saldanha-Olson / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In 2020, Colorado passed a law requiring commercial egg growers with 3,000 or more hens to transition to cage-free facilities. This law was phased in, with significant changes effective January 1, 2025. States like California, Massachusetts, Utah, and Michigan have followed suit with similar legislation.

Cage-free legislation makes it more expensive to raise hens and also results in commercial egg producers having fewer hens. The policy aims to level the playing field between commercial egg producers and smaller producers. However, it has contributed to the current egg shortage. © Tom Tingle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Demand remains strong for eggs, but the lack of supply has taken a toll on prices. An X post from The Daily Shot shows that egg prices have reached an all-time high.

Eggs cost more than they did during record inflation in 2022. Prices may continue to rise if the shortage continues. According to USDA projections, egg prices increased by about 20% in 2025 compared to 2024, with the average price for a dozen eggs at $2.95 in the first quarter. © TOM KISKEN/THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The egg shortage is fueled by a virus that has killed many egg-laying hens. While the problem won’t be resolved overnight, farmers will replace their lost flocks within a few months. The egg shortage should be resolved later this year.

It’s unclear how President-Elect Trump plans to address the avian flu outbreak, if at all. It also doesn’t seem like Biden and Trump’s health officials are communicating.

“[We] don’t want or need the Biden administration to tell us how to do anything,” said Katie Miller, a spokesperson for RFK Jr. © Colleen Kottke/Wisconsin State Farmer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Humans can contract the virus, mainly those in direct contact with infected birds. The CDC has reported 67 cases of human infection since 2022, with one fatality involving an individual over 65 with underlying health conditions. © MEEGAN M. REID/KITSAP SUN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images