USA: Egg prices experience an upward trend
Egg prices are on the rise again and are expected to continue into the first part of 2024 due to a new outbreak of avian influenza. In December, the average cost of a dozen Grade A large eggs increased to $2.51 from $2.14 in November, marking an 8.9% jump. Despite this monthly increase, egg prices are still 23.8% lower than in December 2022.Prior to February 2022, the average dozen eggs had consistently remained below $2 since March 2016. However, prices more than doubled from the beginning of 2022, reaching a peak of $4.82 per dozen in January 2023. Although prices fell steadily afterward, they had not returned to pre-pandemic levels before experiencing another increase. The spike in egg prices is primarily attributed to the widespread outbreak of H5N1, which began in early 2022 and became the largest avian influenza outbreak in U.S. history. This outbreak significantly reduced the egg supply, causing prices to surge as demand remained steady. While the number of avian influenza cases declined in 2023, with no infections reported from May through September, a resurgence of cases in November led to a further reduction in the population of egg-laying hens by over 5 million birds. Consequently, the USDA anticipates another rise in prices during the first half of 2024.
Integrating vaccines to prevent the spread of the virus across the US is essential. Considering this as an additional tool in control programs against bird flu can help reduce its spread and minimize damage.