As bird flu disrupts the nation’s egg supply, consumers across the region face limited availability of this breakfast staple, and shortages are expected to persist until mid-2025, officials say American farmers.

Some area supermarkets are reporting empty shelves, while others are rationing purchases to ensure eggs remain available to all customers.

Since early November, avian flu has resulted in the loss or slaughter of more than 6.5 million laying hens across the country, including 2.5 million in California, accounting for nearly 40% of total losses nationwide. nationally, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. .

Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to strengthen the State’s response to the epidemic.

While the risk of human infection remains low, the virus is now widespread among wild birds and can spread to other animal species, including cows. It currently affects almost half of California Dairy Farms.

The reduction in egg supply has already increased prices and limited egg availability.

The Food Marketing Institute reported an 8.2% increase in egg prices in November compared to the same period last year.

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows wholesale egg prices averaged $3.95 per dozen in the fourth quarter, compared with $3.17 in the third quarter.

Coupled with limited supply, part of the price acceleration is due to increased demand during the holidays.

“The demand season for eggs for cookie making is in full swing and closely follows the Thanksgiving season,” the department said in a statement.

The USDA says that reducing the egg shortage will come slowly in 2025.

“Egg production is expected to rebound, particularly in the second half of the year, as flocks rebuild,” an agency spokesperson said in an email to the Bay Area News Group.

Looking ahead, the USDA projects that egg production will increase by about 3% in 2025 compared to 2024, driving prices down. Next year, the average price is expected to drop to $2.30 per dozen, with an average price of $2.95 per dozen in the first quarter.

The state says it is actively working to limit the spread of avian flu by working with farmers and ranchers on biosecurity measures.

These measures include quarantining infected farms, culling affected flocks and stopping the movement of poultry and related products from infected areas. Protection zones have been established for unaffected regions, with poultry farms in these areas subject to several weekly tests.

Most of California’s eggs come from Southern California and the Central Valley, with key production centers in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties, according to the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

Weber Family Farms in Petaluma, located in what was once known as the “egg basket of the world,” was hit hard by the outbreak. Mike Weber, co-owner of the farm, said entire herds had been culled and while they worked to rebuild them, full production was months away.

“We need rapid testing…the most strategic thing we can do is vaccination,” Weber said.

In November 2023, avian flu swept through Sonoma County’s historic poultry region, leading to the cull of more than a million birds.

Weber said most of his farm’s eggs are consumed in the Bay Area, although their products are sold throughout the state. He expects production to return to full capacity by March, provided the virus remains contained.

“Our production is at 93 percent because we still have an empty building,” Weber said. “We won’t have any birds there until March, once they’re bred.”

Until farms are able to return egg production to normal, some grocery stores are taking steps to ensure there is enough supply to go around and avoid hoarding.

Raley’s limits purchases to one box per customer at all locations. “We have inventory but will continue to evaluate and adjust as necessary,” a Raley spokesperson said.

Save Mart takes a similar approach, limiting purchases to two boxes per customer.

“Save Mart Companies has a list of suppliers who strive to provide safe, quality products so we can continue to meet the needs of our buyers,” the company said in a statement. “The egg shortage is expanding nationwide, so we are asking customers to limit their purchases to ensure we have enough for everyone. »

Following the state of emergency for bird flu, Weber urges the government to allocate additional funds for bird flu testing to effectively contain the outbreak and avoid further disruption to the supply of eggs and other food products.

“(Laboratories) desperately need more resources,” Weber said. “They need people, they need money.”

Originally published: December 21, 2024 at 12:32 p.m. PST