Egg prices at the grocery store shocked many consumers over the recent holiday season, and those prices are expected to continue to climb after an unanticipated spike in the number of bird flu cases in late 2024 led to a significant drop in the number of egg-laying hens in the United States.

Eggs are starting the year on a rotten note as prices surge after the return of the bird flu. According to the latest USDA report from mid-December, US egg production is down 4% year over year, with 3% fewer egg-laying hens.

The key is the loss of egg makers. Moscogiuri says the industry is down 20 million hens to flu in the past three months out of the nation’s typical 312 million flock. California farmers culled 9 million egg layers in 2024’s last two months alone.