(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In a new shock to American consumers, California’s egg prices have soared amid an avian influenza outbreak, reaching a shocking $9 per dozen in some areas.
See the tweet below!
This surge follows a devastating loss of egg-laying chickens, significantly impacting consumers and supply chains statewide.
As these prices rise, questions emerge on how long Californians will endure this severe price pressure.
In December 2024, California experienced a 70% increase in egg prices, with costs reaching $8.97 per dozen.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak caused the demise of approximately six million layers, a catastrophic hit to production capacity.
As a result, these losses led to a severe spike in prices and a strain on supply chains across the state.
Between December 5 and December 24, nine confirmed HPAI cases caused significant depopulation in Merced, Riverside, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties.
Major losses included 1.7 million layers on December 5, another 793,700 later that day, and 1.1 million on December 24, further crippling production capabilities in high-demand seasons.
The USDA noted that these losses occurred during the holiday season, exacerbating already strained egg prices.
Retail giants like Walmart in Chico have listed an 18-count carton of eggs for $9.52 and a 12-count for $7.22.
Meanwhile, Safeway prices jumped, with an 18-count carton of eggs soaring to $12.99, signaling a lack of affordable options for many consumers.
“Production is likely going to take 4-6 months to fully recover, but only if we do not see any more layers lost to the virus,” said Eggs Unlimited Global Trade Strategist Brian Moscogiuri.
The avian influenza’s impact is not limited to California.
The total U.S. layer flock is below 300 million, the lowest since 2022, highlighting national ramifications.
As retailers struggle to keep shelves stocked, a recovery timeframe of 4-6 months remains conditional, depending on further viral outbreaks and effective management.
California consumers are frustrated with the shortages of cage-free eggs, as retailers manage decreasing post-holiday demand.
With wholesale prices having increased by nearly 55% in November alone, these plummeting supply levels escalate costs for everyone.
In light of this, Californians are asking why more preventative measures weren’t taken sooner.
The USDA reported that egg production in the U.S. dropped 4% in November, compounding both the price hike and bird flu cases.
With production still recovering from the March 2022 bird flu impact, when egg prices hit record highs, it is evident that robust corrective measures are needed to stabilize prices moving forward.
Egg production in the U.S. dropped 4% in November as the price of eggs and cases of bird flu continue to rise across the country. https://t.co/HXxLQE6xtc
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) December 31, 2024
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