Egg prices have fallen sharply in early 2026 as poultry production rebounds from last year’s bird flu-driven disruptions, even as federal officials warn that seasonal risks remain elevated.
After months of volatility tied to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, the national average price for a dozen eggs dropped to $2.50 in February — down 57 percent from a near-record $5.89 a year earlier, according to federal data. The decline reflects a gradual recovery in egg-laying flocks and improved supply, though production remains below pre-outbreak levels.
The stabilization comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports mixed progress in containing the virus. HPAI detections surged early in the year, affecting 15.5 million birds in January and February combined. But that figure is 56 percent lower than during the same period in 2025, and the pace of new detections slowed in March.
So far this year, about 20.6 million birds have been affected, down roughly 11 percent from a year earlier. Officials say the pattern — a sharp rise followed by moderation — suggests the outbreak is becoming more manageable, though not contained.
The timing is critical. Spring migration, when wild birds spread the virus along major flyways, typically increases the risk of infection for commercial flocks. Federal officials say the virus is widespread in wild bird populations, raising the احتمال of transmission to poultry farms.
In response, the USDA is urging producers to strengthen biosecurity measures, including on-farm assessments designed to limit exposure from wildlife and improve sanitation and operational practices. Nearly 3,000 such assessments have been completed nationwide.
The egg industry’s recovery has been driven in part by rebuilding efforts. U.S. farms produced 8.36 billion eggs in February, up 5 percent from last year. Hatchery data also show modest increases in egg-type chicks and pullets — young hens that will become future layers — signaling continued expansion.
Egg-laying hens have accounted for roughly 80 percent of birds affected by HPAI, making their recovery central to stabilizing prices.
Other poultry sectors have been less disrupted. Broiler chickens, raised for meat, have seen relatively limited impact, with production rising modestly and retail prices holding steady at about $2.39 per pound. Turkey producers, however, face tighter conditions. While fewer birds have been lost to HPAI, a separate disease and declining hatchery inventories are expected to push turkey prices higher this year.
Despite the recent improvements, officials caution that the industry remains vulnerable. High viral levels in migratory birds and ongoing disease pressure mean that continued vigilance will be essential to supply and prevent another surge in losses.
For now, consumers are seeing relief at the grocery store — a sign that, at least temporarily, the nation’s egg supply is on firmer ground.
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation
