Price Alert as Avian Flu Surges for Egg Producers

by M.C. Millman

Given the latest avian flu outbreak that has hit Cal-Maine Foods in the Midwest, spikes in egg prices at the top egg producer in the U.S. are likely.

The affected facility tested positive for avian flu, affecting  1.6 percent of its flock or 684,000 laying hens.

"Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the company follows protocols prescribed by the USDA," the facility said in a news release. "Cal-Maine Foods is working to secure production from other facilities to minimize disruption to its customers."

The outbreak comes after a similar one on an Iowa farm in November when 1.2 million chickens had to be killed to prevent the spread of the bird flu.

In total, 63 million chickens have been killed since the outbreak began early last year, as the entire flock is killed anytime the bird flu is found during routine testing. This is done to keep the highly contagious virus from spreading to other farms.

During the height of the crisis, egg prices hit a record of $5.35 a dozen in December 2022 before finally falling 69 percent to an average price of $1.22 per dozen. 

Egg prices in September 2023 have already shot back up, with wholesale prices rising to $2.38 per dozen due to the avian flu and holiday buying.