(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – Skyrocketing egg prices in California, surging to $9 per dozen, should alarm every concerned citizen as it disrupts family budgets amidst a relentless avian influenza outbreak.
See the tweet below!
While the USDA reports the dramatic price spike, giants like Walmart and Safeway see similar upheavals.
California is witnessing an unprecedented hike in egg prices, reaching as high as $8.97 per dozen due to the combined effects of avian influenza and increased demand.
According to Fox Business, the loss of around six million hens, attributed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), exacerbates the issue as countless families struggle.
In December 2024 alone, confirmed HPAI cases led to significant depopulation of layers in various counties.
Significant poultry depopulation, especially in Merced, Riverside, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties, fuels the crisis.
Large losses were documented, including over 1.7 million layers lost on a single day, which compound supply fears.
Such losses have spiraled egg prices during a peak season as noted by the USDA.
“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,” says Eggs Unlimited Global Trade Strategist Brian Moscogiuri, cited by Wattagnet.
The surge affects every consumer, especially with limited incentives for shell eggs to maintain supplies post-holiday.
Despite retailers’ attempts, such as Walmart’s adjusted pricing for a dozen eggs at $7.22 in Chico and Safeway’s $12.99 for 18-count cartons, the shortage strains resources.
Wholesale prices surged about 55% in November alone, but the complexities of consumer pricing remain.
The calamity of a 4% decline in egg production adds pressure across the U.S., with Kevin Bergquist highlighting sustained elevated prices due to ongoing disruptions.
USDA data notes the largest hike came from eggs with an 8.2% increase as of November.
With historical comparisons underscoring the severity, the 2022 outbreak previously saw prices drift below $1.50 per dozen pre-disruption.
Now, as recovery could take 4-6 months, vigilance in navigating this economic challenge remains vital.
These dramatic developments demand attention and action as hardworking Americans face grocery affordability crises.
Bird flu outbreak in U.S. sends egg prices soaring amid holiday baking season https://t.co/hPb5CBwgg9#WhiskedAway
A surge in holiday baking demand and the ongoing bird flu outbreak are pushing egg prices higher, although they remain below the peak levels seen two years ago. pic.twitter.com/Cl0WmoQnJx
— Whisked Away (@GetWhiskedAway) December 20, 2024
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