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.
-
Court docs: Hailey Buzbee communicated with suspect for over a year
New court documents from the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio, have been released in the death investigation of Fishers teen Hailey Buzbee.
Looking to buy a home in 2026? Why Zillow ranks Indianapolis as your best bet
A new report from Zillow ranked Indianapolis as the most buyer-friendly housing market in 2026, with real estate agents saying it's one of the best times for homebuyers to get into this market.
Father of Hailey Buzbee urges stronger online child protection laws
Beau Buzbee, the father of Hailey Buzbee, delivered an emotional plea to Indiana lawmakers Monday, urging them to pass legislation protecting children from online dangers.
Indianapolis apartment tenants victimized in $20K rent payment theft scheme
Dozens of tenants at two Indianapolis apartment complexes discovered their rent payments never reached their accounts after a former property manager allegedly stole more than $20,000 from residents.
