INDIANAPOLIS — A dozen eggs at the grocery store is getting more expensive and experts say there are a few reasons for that – avian influenza being one of them.
This week, shell egg prices are nearing $3 a dozen. According to the USDA Egg Market News Report released on April 4, a dozen large eggs cost between $2.80 and $2.89 when delivered to warehouses.
Right now, the United States is experiencing the worst avian influenza outbreak since 2015.
At least 24 states are seeing the virus and millions of birds have been killed.
Indiana is the second-largest producer of eggs in the country, producing 9 billion eggs a year, according to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. This year, the state reported the first avian flu cases in the country.
A spokesperson with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health tells WRTV, the six original farms impacted in Dubois and Greene Counties remain under quarantine.
The agency’s main concern right now is the outbreak of the virus in other Midwestern states including Iowa and Minnesota.
“That's why we're cautiously optimistic," Denise Derrer Spears, Public Information Officer with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health said. "I mean, we're really pleased with the hard work that the Indiana poultry producers have been doing -- we've made a lot of progress and we haven't had any new cases. However, we realize that could change at any time, and we still want poultry owners, whether they're commercial-sized or backyard flock owners to make sure that they stay diligent about bio-security,”
Economists say inflation paired with the bird flu outbreak is the reason behind the jump in egg prices. Ahead of spring holidays like Easter and Passover, the cost of eggs generally ticks up, but Ball State economist Dr. Michael Hicks notes, not this drastically.
“Over the past couple of weeks, the real impact has been the avian flu," Hicks said. "That has caused the destruction of significant flocks around the country, so that's caused prices nationally to go from about $1.40 a dozen to almost doubling prices in just a matter of a couple of weeks."
So when will egg prices start to plateau or drop?
Hicks said in the short term, it's dependent on the pathway of the disease. If farmers can get the bird flu under control, a recovery in prices would be seen in a few weeks. However, he notes, inflation is here to stay.
-
Silver Alert issued for missing 70-year-old from New Whiteland
Gadshian Werner, 70, is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 165 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes.
Indianapolis Boys & Girls Clubs extend hours to combat teen violence
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis are launching their 132nd year of violence reduction programming with extended hours and free registration for teens as the new school year begins.
Johnson County Community Foundation awards nonprofit organizations
The Johnson County Community Foundation awarded $162,000 to help nonprofit organizations with transportation and other support.
Duke Energy rate payers could see another rate hike in the near future
The increase stems from an approved rate increase last year, and bills could climb again if a new proposal is approved.
