Egg prices surge to record on shortage caused by bird flu

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Egg prices reached record levels today after a bird-flu outbreak decimated the flock, leading to the death of more than 20 million egg-laying hens over the last month in the top producing state of Iowa.

The virus spread appears to have slowed but not stopped. Federal officials are planning an aggressive educational campaign to improve biosecurity around infected barns after tests have shown the disease is spreading from farm to farm.

Officials studying the worst bird-flu outbreak in the U.S. say they're learning about the virus that has led to 40 million dead birds — mostly turkeys and egg-laying chickens — either from the disease or euthanized to prevent its spread.

In the short term, egg prices will increase. With egg supplies dwindling, the price of eggs used in food products and shell eggs we eat for breakfast will climb higher. Carton egg prices reached a record today of $2.32 a dozen for Midwest large eggs, said Rick Brown, a senior vice president for Urner Barry, a commodity market analysis firm.