There’s a National Egg Shortage—Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s clear that the high price of eggs is no secret. Now there is a looming shortage which may make it hard to get eggs at all. 
The high price of eggs and the looming shortage is because an unprecedented epidemic of highly virulent avian influenza has killed millions of egg-laying chickens nationwide. 

It’s clear that the high price of eggs is no secret. Now there is a looming shortage which may make it hard to get eggs at all.

The high price of eggs and the looming shortage is because an unprecedented epidemic of highly virulent avian influenza has killed millions of egg-laying chickens nationwide.

The biggest bird flu pandemic in US history killed approximately 60 million chickens by 2022. This extremely contagious avian flu virus kills 90 to 100 percent of hens within 48 hours. Health officials have preemptively killed millions of birds due to its ferocity.


Some states have taken a bigger hit than others, like California and Colorado have been hit due to production and California’s reliance on cage-free chickens to adhere to Prop. 12. Some people are paying up to $7.37 per dozen.

Although no word on how long this egg spike will continue, but according to Readers Digest, these things won’t be pricy in 2023:

  • New cars
  • Used cars
  • Medicare
  • Income Taxes
  • Bicycles
  • Convenience services
  • Nonessential Items
  • Televisions
  • Appliances
  • Apparel