The American Egg Board says cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu, are only partially to blame for the high cost of eggs.
In a statement, the board said “The reality is the system for egg production is both complex and time sensitive. While we can’t predict the future, what we know right now is that our system is strained—and HPAI remains a clear and present risk to poultry flocks. It’s going to take a sustained period with no additional HPAI detections on egg farms to stabilize supply.”
The board also noted that the number of eggs sold has increased year-over-year for 22 consecutive months, and that the recent holiday season is the time of year when egg demand is highest.
The combination of supply issues brought on by HPAI and increased demand has directly caused the spike in prices consumers have seen at grocery stores.
It remains unclear how the HPAI outbreak at Rose Acres egg farm in Seymour, Indiana, will impact local egg prices. About 2.8 million hens had to be killed.
Read more: The Checkup: What you need to know about bird flu, your food and risk to humans
