U.S. egg prices rose to a new record high of $6.23 last month, despite a decrease in wholesale prices and no recent bird flu outbreaks on egg farms. This increase, as indicated by the Consumer Price Index on Thursday, suggests that consumers and businesses relying on eggs may not see immediate relief. Demand for eggs typically remains high until after Easter, which falls on April 20.

Experts had predicted a decrease in retail egg prices following a significant drop in wholesale egg prices in March. Price spikes in January and February were primarily attributed to bird flu outbreaks, resulting in the culling of over 30 million egg-laying chickens to prevent disease spread.

Some farms affected by the outbreaks are now restarting egg production after disinfecting their facilities and introducing new flocks. President Trump attempted to take credit for the recent decline in wholesale egg prices reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, experts believe that focusing on enhancing the defenses of egg farmers against bird flu will provide more sustainable long-term benefits.

Since the onset of the current bird flu outbreak, over 168 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens, have been euthanized. The highly contagious nature of the avian flu, easily transmitted through the droppings of infected wild birds, poses significant challenges. The disease has also affected other animals, including dairy cattle.

Despite egg prices spiking to $4.82 per dozen in January 2023 during the outbreak and later dropping to $2.04 in August 2023, prices have gradually risen again.