Bird flu triggers egg shortage and soaring prices in U.S.
The American egg market is facing a significant crisis caused by bird flu, which may persist for several more months, according to CNN. As a result, in some parts of the USA, egg shelves are empty. This is the case, for example, in the Washington area.
In the Washington area, issues with egg availability in stores are being reported. Many share photos on social media showing that store shelves where eggs should be are empty.
Increase in egg prices
What is causing the problem with egg availability? The United States has been facing a serious egg shortage since the beginning of the year, as confirmed by CNN. This situation is due to the spread of bird flu, which has significantly reduced the population of laying hens on farms.
- We can't begin fixing it the next day. It is really a six-to-nine-month process. It's causing some shortages in certain markets that are intermittent and localized, said Emily Metz, president of the American Egg Board, as quoted by CNN.
The Publix grocery chain, with nearly 1,500 locations in the USA, confirmed "limited availability" of eggs on the shelves. A sign appeared on one of the empty shelves in New York state, informing shoppers that selected types of eggs "may be temporarily unavailable" due to bird flu.
Fewer eggs on the market mean higher prices. Data from NielsenIQ, provided by the American Egg Board, indicates that the average price of a dozen eggs of any type was $4.33 at the end of December, representing an increase of almost 25 percent compared to the beginning of November.
