Price of Eggs Up At Least 30% This Year

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Eggs are more expensive right now, largely because of the spread of avian flu. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a dozen eggs nationwide is $3.37. The latest numbers are from October. In January, the national average was $2.52. That means prices have jumped about 30% since the start of the year. 

Last December, Americans were paying on average $2.50 for a dozen eggs. 

The biggest factor for the rise in prices is bird flu. Across the country, the virus has killed more than 100 million chickens. At least three-quarters of those birds were egg-layers. 

“We had kind of had a reprieve [from the spread of bird flu] over summer,” said Ron Kean, a poultry specialist for UW Extension. “Now with cooler weather and the migration of birds, we’ve had kind of an uptick. Really, the Midwest has been fairly fortunate. A lot of outbreaks have been on the west coast this fall.” 

When bird flu is detected on a farm, the whole population is euthanized. Colorado just lost two million chickens to an outbreak. 

Of course, right now it’s baking season. Cookies, cakes and pies all usually require eggs. The higher demand and lower supply can also lead to higher prices.