New avian flu outbreak in Pennsylvania raises concerns over egg prices (Farm Progress): As an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is spreading in Pennsylvania, industry experts worry that egg prices may climb again after falling sharply over the past year. Wholesale egg prices had dropped dramatically—from about $8.53 per dozen in February 2025 to around 92 cents recently, with prices reaching as low as 33 cents per dozen in early 2026, the lowest level since 2019. That decline followed aggressive biosecurity efforts by USDA and the poultry industry that helped stabilize production and allowed producers to rebuild their flocks after earlier outbreaks.
However, the renewed spread of avian flu in commercial egg-laying operations threatens to reverse those gains. When the virus is detected in a flock, producers typically must cull birds to contain the disease, which can quickly tighten egg supplies. With the disease now appearing again in Pennsylvania—one of the country’s major egg-producing states—industry analysts warn that even a limited outbreak could shrink supply and push prices higher for consumers.
The situation highlights how vulnerable the egg market remains to disease disruptions. Although prices had recently returned to more normal levels thanks to improved biosecurity and flock rebuilding, the ongoing risk of avian influenza means the market could quickly swing back to higher prices if additional outbreaks occur or spread to other major poultry regions.
Policy Updates: New avian flu outbreak in Pennsylvania raises concerns over egg prices
As an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is spreading in Pennsylvania, industry experts worry that egg prices may climb again after falling sharply over the past year.
(Lindsey Pound)