The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts a significant increase in egg prices of over 40% in 2025 due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, with more than 166 million birds culled as a control measure.
The big picture: To combat the bird flu impact on egg prices, the Trump administration announced an additional $1 billion investment, supplementing the previous $2 billion already allocated since the outbreak’s inception in 2022.
- The USDA’s strategy involves funding for biosecurity improvements, aid for affected farmers, and potential egg imports as short-term measures to address the escalating egg prices, although long-term relief remains uncertain.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasizes the need for intensified biosecurity measures on farms to mitigate the spread of the virus, recognizing the challenges in preventing bird flu transmission from migrating wild birds.
Driving the news: The surge in egg prices to a record average of $4.95 per dozen is attributed to the preemptive culling of millions of birds, primarily egg-laying chickens, to contain the spread of the virus, negatively impacting both producers and consumers.
What we’re watching: USDA forecasts a minimum 41% rise in egg prices, surpassing initial predictions, prompting consumers to pay over a dollar per egg in some regions, prompting surcharges on egg dishes at restaurants like Denny’s and Waffle House.
Zoom in: The strain on consumers from the exorbitant egg prices has incurred estimated costs of at least $1.4 billion, with further increases expected as the demand peaks heading into the Easter season.
- The USDA’s allocated $1 billion will target enhancing biosecurity measures, providing additional relief for impacted farmers, funding research for potential vaccines, and evaluating regulatory hurdles for animal welfare rules in affected states.
