 "A dozen eggs are seen in a carton on February 10, 2025 in Monterey Park, California. AFP")
Poultry farms across the US are reeling under cases of bird flu, decreasing production of eggs and driving up their prices in retailers and restaurants. Although the possibility of transmission of avian flu from animals to humans is low, the overcirculation of the virus can cause mutation.
Americans might be finding it difficult to have eggs in the morning due to the spread of avian influenza among hens which has lowered manufacture and emptied shelves in supermarkets. Last week, one of the US’ biggest egg producers said that one of its hens had tested positive for bird flu.
How costly are eggs in the US?
Last week, the wholesale prices for large, white shell eggs touched $8 a dozen, breaching the previous all-time high record of $5.46 per dozen.
However, according to a report by CNBC, the prices may not burn a hole in the pockets of the consumer. Ryan Hojnowski, a market reporter, said, “Large national retailers like Walmart and Aldi often have more flexibility to absorb wholesale price increases.”
They might counterbalance the increased wholesale costs by maintaining higher profit margins on other food items or by locking in portions of their egg supply through fixed-price contracts, a strategy commonly used in the industry.
Can eating eggs infect humans?
Researchers are still investigating whether consuming food or beverages contaminated with avian influenza can transmit the virus to humans. In the United States, the majority of the 66 reported cases since 2024 have been linked to direct contact with infected animals.
The virus mostly sickens hens and experts have suggested that infected flocks can be culled to stop the transmission of the flue.
Meanwhile, federal regulations require egg producers to wash and sanitise commercially packaged products before they hit the market.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, ensuring that yolks are firm and scrambled eggs are fully set without any runniness.