A national shortage of eggs in the United States is causing shortages in supermarkets in various regions, including Denver, Miami y New Yorkas reported NBC News. This situation occurs a few days before the holiday. Thanksgivingwhen the demand for this food usually increases due to its use in traditional preparations.
The main cause of the shortage is the outbreak of bird flu H5N1, which has severely impacted poultry in the country. According to him United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)the production of eggs has decreased 2.6% so far in 2024, compared to the previous year. Additionally, Marc Dresner, spokesperson for the American Egg Boardindicated that more than 24 million laying hens have died this year due to the virus, five million of them since October.
Bernt Nelson, agricultural economist cited by NBC Newsexplained that the virus has affected approximately 10 million aves in recent months. The most recent states with recorded outbreaks are Utah, Washington y Oregon. Nelson highlighted that, although the supply chain still has a solid reserve of eggsthere are “isolated pockets” where the product is not available due to logistical disruptions and local restrictions.
The American Egg Board noted that limitations on distribution vary by region. Dresner assured that, despite the inconveniences, producers are working to restore supply. Since the eggs They are a perishable product, usually arriving in stores within 72 hours of being picked from farms, allowing for relatively quick replenishment.
According to data from USDAthe bird flu has had a significant impact on product costs. Although prices have decreased slightly compared to previous months, they are still high. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, in September, the average price of a dozen eggs It reached $3.82, while in October it fell to $3.37. This value represents a considerable increase compared to the average of $2.07 per dozen recorded in October 2023.
Caitlinn Hubbell, market analyst at Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability at Purdue University, declared to CNBC that the demand for eggs It is “inelastic.” This means that, regardless of price increases, consumers tend to maintain their purchasing levels. Hubbell also noted that buyers do not typically accumulate eggs even when costs fall, meaning that small changes in supply can lead to major price fluctuations.
The bird flu has been a recurring problem in recent years in the United States, affecting not only poultrybut also to wild birds and other animals. He USDA continues to monitor the progress of the virus in the country and work with farms to implement biosecurity measures that reduce its spread. Nelson warned that the situation is dynamic and could change depending on the migration of wild birdswhich are key vectors of the virus.
Supermarkets have begun to implement restrictions on the number of eggs that customers can buy. According to NBC Newsseveral establishments have posted signs informing about the situation and asking buyers to limit their purchases.
Although the disruptions are expected to be temporary, the holiday season could put additional pressure on product availability. The American Egg Board noted that restrictions in some states on the type of eggs allowed for sale have also contributed to shortages in certain markets.
