Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Egg shoppers are facing sticker shock as prices continue to climb in Bucks County and nationwide.
Experts say that the hike in egg prices are driven by a growing avian influenza outbreak that has decimated millions of birds across the country.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a dozen Grade A eggs surged from approximately $3.30 in October to $4.15 in December. Locally, prices ranged from about $4 to over $6 per dozen at several Bucks County grocery stores.
To manage shortages and stabilize pricing, many grocery stores have implemented purchase limits on eggs per shopping trip.
Some consumers have begun calling the price increase “eggflation.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture confirmed Monday the presence of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza at a commercial farm.
Nationwide, more than 13 million birds have been culled to prevent further spread of the disease, leading to what the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Egg Markets Overview describes as “record-high” prices due to the significant impact on egg production.
Avian flu typically do not infect humans, but there have been some infections among people in direct contact with ill poultry and dairy cattle. In some cases, the bird flu can be fatal to humans.
The FDA said recently that the chance of eggs from infected birds reaching consumers is minimal. They advised that eggs should be cooked to a safe temperature to prevent any potential health risks.
Pennbsylvania authorities urge poultry owners to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of avian influenza to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at 717-772-2852, option 1, available 24/7.
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