Egg prices have been cracking headlines across the country—skyrocketing in some regions, stabilizing in others, and sparking debates everywhere from grocery aisles to agriculture policy meetings. But what’s really behind the price surge? And more importantly, what are poultry scientists, farmers, and even backyard chicken keepers doing to fight back?
Let’s take a deeper look at the science, the strategies, and what you can do to help.
🥚 The Egg Price Spike Explained
According to the USDA, one of the biggest drivers of recent egg price hikes has been the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This viral disease affects domestic poultry and wild birds, spreading easily through direct contact or contaminated environments.
Since 2022, the United States has lost over 43 million laying hens to HPAI-related depopulation efforts. At one point, national egg inventories were down nearly 30%—causing wholesale egg prices to skyrocket. During peak holiday demand in late 2022, consumers saw prices hit record highs, sometimes over $7 per dozen in some areas.
And while wholesale prices have since dropped (falling to under $1 per dozen by mid-2023), retail prices take longer to adjust due to lingering supply chain costs.
🐔 Source: USDA ERS
🔬 What Poultry Scientists and Farmers Are Doing About It
Facing one of the worst avian disease outbreaks in history, the poultry industry hasn’t just scrambled (sorry for the yolks... I mean jokes) — it’s doubled down on science-based solutions.
1. Biosecurity
Commercial egg producers are boosting efforts to keep pathogens out. This includes:– Controlling access to farms
– Disinfecting all vehicles and equipment
– Training workers on disease transmission
The USDA has even launched free biosecurity assessments for commercial farms as part of a $1 billion investment to combat the virus.
2. Exploring Vaccines
Some countries, like France, have already started vaccinating poultry with positive early results. While the U.S. hasn’t approved widespread vaccination yet, USDA scientists are researching possible options, considering both safety and trade impact.3. Adjusting Supply Chains
Egg companies are also adapting. By diversifying suppliers, investing in more secure housing, and working with regulators to stabilize pricing, they’re trying to avoid repeating the worst of 2022–2023.🧑🌾 How Backyard Chicken Keepers Can Help
Believe it or not, you—yes, you in your boots and coop—play a role in national poultry health. Many HPAI cases begin when wild birds bring the virus into backyard or free-range flocks.
Here’s what you can do:
✅ Implement strong biosecurity
• Keep wild birds away from feed, close up your coop, and sanitize tools. Limit who comes in contact with your flock.• 👀 Watch for symptoms
Signs include sudden death, respiratory issues, a drop in egg production, or purple combs.
• 📞 Report sick birds
Don’t wait—report suspected illness to your vet or state animal health agency. Early detection matters.
• 📚 Stay informed
The USDA’s Defend the Flock campaign offers easy, science-backed advice for flock owners.
🧠 Egg-ucated Choices
Whether you’re a consumer puzzled by egg prices, a farmer fighting disease on the frontlines, or a backyard enthusiast hoping to help—understanding the full story behind eggs empowers better decisions.
Egg prices are affected by science, economics, and biology. And with continued collaboration across industry, research, and communities, there’s hope that this shell-shocking situation will improve soon!
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📚 References
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USDA Economic Research Service. (2023). Egg Prices Reached Historic Highs in Late 2022.
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=105576 -
USDA Economic Research Service. (2023). Wholesale Egg Prices Decline in 2023, Retail Prices Lag Behind.
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=106845 -
USDA Press Release. (2025, March 20). USDA Updates Progress on Strategy to Combat Avian Flu and Lower Egg Prices.
https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/03/20/usda-update-progress-five-pronged-strategy-combat-avian-flu-and-lower-egg-prices -
Reuters. (2025, March 26). France Hails Bird Flu Vaccination, Poultry Let Back Outdoors.
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/france-hails-bird-flu-vaccination-poultry-let-back-outdoors-2025-03-26 -
USDA. (2025, February 26). USDA Invests $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Reduce Egg Prices.
https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/26/usda-invests-1-billion-combat-avian-flu-and-reduce-egg-prices -
Eggs Unlimited. (2023). How Avian Influenza Impacts Egg Supply Chains.
https://www.eggsunlimited.com/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-supply-chains-egg-laying-chicken-feed-price-increases-supply-chain-disruption-cage-free-high-price-united-states-egg-producers-grocery-store-egg-supply-b -
USDA APHIS. (n.d.). Defend the Flock – Protect Your Poultry from Avian Influenza.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/bro-protect-poultry-from-ai.pdf