US bird flu outbreak disrupts egg supply, drives up prices

​​​​​​NEW YORK

A bird flu outbreak in the US has led to the culling of millions of chickens, disrupting egg production and pushing prices higher, according to media reports.

Supply chain disruptions have forced supermarkets in the state of New York and surrounding areas to limit egg purchases, with some retailers charging up to $10 per dozen.

To curb the spread of the virus, officials have temporarily closed some live poultry markets in New York. Grocery stores have also posted notices restricting customers to three cartons of eggs per purchase.

Egg producers and poultry industry groups said the rapid spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza has led to the culling of millions of chickens each month, severely affecting production.

Since the virus reemerged in 2022, around 110 million egg-laying hens have been culled, according to media reports.

The outbreak has also led fast-food chains and breakfast restaurants to raise prices.

A December report from the US Agriculture Department confirmed the outbreak’s severity, citing it as a key factor in the nation’s declining egg supply.

Data from the Labro Department, meanwhile, shows egg prices have risen 160% in the past five years.