### Retail Egg Prices Drop but Remain Historically High Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

The price of eggs in the United States saw a significant decline in April, retreating from the record highs seen in March. Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday shows that the average cost for a dozen Grade A eggs fell to $5.12 in April, down from a peak of $6.23 the previous month.

This marks the first month-to-month decrease in egg prices since October 2024 and the steepest decline since March 1984, with average prices for eggs of all sizes dropping by 12.7%. Despite this respite, retail prices still hover near historic highs due to a persistent bird flu outbreak that continues to decimate flocks of egg-laying hens.

David L. Ortega, a professor of food economics and policy at Michigan State University, anticipates that U.S. egg prices will continue to decline through May and June. Post-Easter, consumer demand typically wanes, contributing to lower prices. Additionally, fewer bird flu outbreaks at commercial poultry operations in recent weeks have helped stabilize the nation's egg supply.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bird flu outbreaks in commercial poultry operations have decreased significantly, with 59 outbreaks in February, 12 in March, and only three in April. However, Ortega warns that the progress of the virus remains unpredictable, and prices could spike again if outbreaks resurge.

Bird flu has led to the death of over 169 million birds since early 2022. Standard protocol involves euthanizing entire flocks when a bird is infected to prevent the virus's spread. After culling, farms can take up to a year to be fully operational again with new egg-laying birds. Even a single outbreak at a major commercial facility, which may house millions of birds, can substantially impact the egg supply. Two recent outbreaks in April on farms in Ohio and South Dakota affected over 927,000 egg-laying hens.

Addressing concerns over high egg prices has been a priority for President Donald Trump. In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $1 billion investment to help farmers bolster biosecurity measures to combat bird flu. There has also been a notable increase in egg imports from countries like South Korea, Turkey, and Brazil. According to Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute Sector Manager Kevin Bergquist, egg and egg product imports surged by 77.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

Furthermore, the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the U.S. This company alone supplies around 20% of the nation's eggs. Cal-Maine confirmed the ongoing investigation in early April.