Egg prices in the United States have experienced a significant decline over the past year, following the normalization of the market after a major avian flu outbreak that began in 2022 [1]. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the consumer price index (CPI) for February showed that egg prices fell by 3.8% during the month and are now 42.1% lower compared to a year ago. In contrast, headline CPI inflation increased by 2.4% year-over-year [1]. Economist Bernt Nelson from the American Farm Bureau Federation explained that the U.S. egg industry has faced fluctuating avian influenza detections since 2022, with affected bird counts ranging from about 20 million to nearly zero depending on the season [1].
Nelson highlighted that egg prices reached $4.14 per dozen in December 2024 and peaked at $6.22 per dozen in March 2025, but have since dropped to approximately $2.50 per dozen, based on data from the BLS and USDA Economic Research Service [1]. As of December 2025, egg prices were about 12% below the five-year average, indicating a recovery from previous price shocks caused by avian flu [1]. The USDA has enhanced its detection and mitigation efforts, offering free wildlife and domestic assessments to egg farmers, which has improved supply stability [1].
In the past six months, reduced avian flu cases have enabled production to rebound, resulting in prices falling below pre-outbreak levels [1]. However, USDA wildlife monitoring has detected a high viral load in wild migratory birds across all four U.S. flyways, posing ongoing risks to the egg, turkey, and broiler industries [1]. Nelson reported that about 14 million birds have been affected in the last 30 days, with four million detections in March alone, largely due to two major avian flu outbreaks at egg production facilities announced this week [1].
While the market has stabilized and prices have dropped, the threat of avian flu resurgence remains, which could lead to future volatility in egg prices. The USDA's improved monitoring and hygiene recommendations have helped mitigate outbreaks, but the high viral load in wild birds continues to be a concern for the industry [1].
CONCLUSION
Egg prices have fallen sharply as the avian flu impact has eased and production has recovered, bringing prices below pre-outbreak levels. However, ongoing risks from high viral loads in wild birds and recent large outbreaks suggest potential for future volatility. The market remains cautious, with USDA efforts helping to stabilize supply but not eliminating the threat.