Egg prices in US soar to as high as ₹860 a dozen amid bird flu scare

An ongoing bird flu outbreak in the United States has sent egg prices soaring, with consumers facing record-high costs for one of their basic protein sources. The average price of a dozen Grade A eggs hit an unprecedented $4.95 (₹429.91) in January 2025, according to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This surge marks a sharp rise of more than double the low of $2.04 (₹176.47) recorded in August 2023.

The skyrocketing prices come as the avian influenza, or bird flu, continues to disrupt egg production. The outbreak has caused a significant reduction in the egg-laying hen population, pushing prices to levels not seen since the last bird flu outbreak in 2015. Prices of eggs have surged by a staggering 65% since January 2024, according to the Consumer Price Index, with some areas experiencing even higher rates, as much as $10 ( ₹867.42) or more for a carton of eggs.