New Bird Flu Outbreak Means Eggs Are MISSING

Americans are facing empty egg shelves across the country as a severe bird flu outbreak decimates laying hens, leaving consumers scrambling for solutions.

At a Glance

  • A nationwide egg shortage is frustrating consumers due to bird flu outbreaks
  • Over 40 million laying hens were lost to bird flu in the U.S. in 2024
  • States with cage-free egg laws are experiencing more severe shortages
  • Increased holiday demand has further strained the egg supply
  • Egg farmers are working to protect birds and replenish supply

Egg Shortage Hits American Households

Americans are facing a stark reality in grocery stores across the nation: empty egg shelves. The shortage, primarily caused by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has severely impacted egg farmers and disrupted the supply chain. In 2024, over 40 million laying hens were lost to this devastating outbreak, leaving consumers frustrated and searching for alternatives.

The scarcity is particularly noticeable in states with laws requiring cage-free eggs, such as Arizona and California. These regulations, while aimed at improving animal welfare, have inadvertently exacerbated the shortage. Approximately 40% of U.S. laying hens are cage-free, and more than half of the birds lost to bird flu were from these cage-free operations.

The bird flu outbreak has necessitated strict measures to prevent its spread. As per CDC guidelines, once a hen tests positive for bird flu, the entire flock must be culled. This process has led to significant losses in egg-producing flocks and created a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. The repopulation of affected egg farms is a lengthy process, often taking six months to a year before production can resume.

“You can’t get eggs anywhere, I mean anywhere,” Fox News host Jesse Watters said.

The shortage has been particularly challenging for consumers seeking specialty eggs. Watters further commented, “you just can’t get the good, pasture-raised, nice, organic eggs.” This scarcity of high-quality eggs has left many Americans struggling to maintain their preferred dietary choices.

Between this and the high cost of groceries (thanks Biden), we could be in for a rough rest of the winter!