Egg prices are forecasted to rise by 41.1% in 2025, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Earlier in January, the USDA had anticipated a 20% increase. This sharp rise is attributed to the growing number of bird flu cases, which have significantly impacted poultry farms. Retail egg prices surged by 13.8% in January, following an 8.4% increase in December. Overall, egg prices were 53% higher in January compared to the previous year. The national average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.95 in January, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bird flu outbreak has affected approximately 18.8 million commercial egg-laying birds. Additionally, the USDA noted in a February 14 report that wholesale egg prices increased by $0.40 over a 30-day period. The report highlighted that offerings remain limited with little prospect for short-term improvement due to the ongoing impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 70 recorded human cases of bird flu, most of which were mild. — news from ABC News
