Egg prices reach record high as costs jump 10.4% last month

(Gray News) - The average price of eggs reached a new record in February.

The cost of eggs jumped 10.4% in February from the previous month, reaching an average cost of $4.95 a dozen.

Eggs are nearly 60% more expensive than they were a year ago, according to an Associated Press report.

The industry and most experts have placed the blame of rising costs on the recent avian flu outbreak.

Egg prices generally remained below $2 a dozen before the outbreak began.

More than 160 million birds have been killed because of the bird flu, including 30 million that were killed in January. Farmers have had to kill entire flocks, significantly affecting egg supplies.

Consumers are not only seeing the impact of the outbreak at the grocery stores, where egg prices have doubled since its start. They are also seeing when they go out to eat. Several restaurants, including Denny’s and Waffle House, have added temporary surcharges to egg dishes to combat rising prices.

The U.S. Agriculture Department reported in February that they expect the price of eggs will go up 41.1% this year. However, the USDA reported last week egg shortages appear to be easing and wholesale prices are dropping. They also said no major bird flu outbreak has been reported in two weeks.

The Trump istration revealed a plan in February to combat the bird flu outbreak and relieve costs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA will invest another $1 billion to help farmers prevent the spread of the disease.

Copyright 2025 Gray Local Media, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.