Egg Shortage Attributed to Biden’s Policies and Bird Flu Outbreaks

Grocery store experiencing an egg shortage with empty shelves and high prices.

News Summary

The ongoing egg shortage has led to skyrocketing prices, with blame being placed on former President Biden’s inflationary policies and the culling of millions of chickens due to bird flu. Over 147 million birds have been culled, resulting in egg prices soaring from $1.60 to nearly $4.10 per dozen. Although these measures are taken to manage health risks, experts highlight that the policies and consequences are rooted in a broader historical context.

Egg Shortage Blamed on Biden Amidst Culling Policies

There’s no denying that the ongoing egg shortage has hit consumers right where it hurts most—their wallets! Recently, in a noteworthy news briefing, a White House press secretary made headlines by laying the blame for this shortage squarely on the shoulders of former President Joe Biden. According to her, it’s Biden’s so-called “inflationary policies” and the mass culling of over 100 million chickens that have contributed significantly to the scarcity of eggs.

Understanding the Culling of Chickens

Chickens have been culled to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This action was not some new initiative started under Biden’s watch; it follows a longstanding policy from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that dates back to the previous administration. Although devastating for the poultry industry, culling infected birds is considered a necessary measure for managing public health risks and protecting other healthy flocks.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

Since the detection of bird flu in a commercial flock on February 8, 2022, the USDA has reported that over 147 million birds—including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese—have met their end due to bird flu-related actions. This cull has particularly hit hard on egg-laying chickens, with a staggering 108 million dying from 2022 to January 2025. Just this year alone, there have been reports of 13 million birds being killed in an attempt to control the spread of the virus. Those are some serious numbers!

Impact on Egg Prices

As a direct consequence, consumers are feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Observers pointed out that egg prices skyrocketed during this period, leaping from about $1.60 per dozen in February 2021 to around $4.10 per dozen by December 2024. To make matters worse, the USDA expects that egg prices could rise an additional 20% in 2025! With seasonal demand spikes, particularly during holidays, the price surge is becoming more noticeable, squeezing family budgets even tighter.

Health and Safety Concerns

The need for culling is generally understood, as experts highlight that delaying the process could increase risks for farm workers and the general public. By acting quickly to remove infected birds, farmers aim to curb any further spread of the virus, which has even made its way to dairy cattle, affecting livestock in 16 states. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S., with one tragic human fatality recorded.

A Historical Context

It’s important to note that the USDA has the authority to depopulate affected flocks based on protocols set forth under the Animal Health Protection Act that was established in 2002. Such measures were also taken during a bird flu outbreak in 2015, during the Obama administration. So, while there may be a desire to point fingers at the current administration, understanding the broader context is crucial.

Claims of the White House Press Secretary

In light of all this, Leavitt’s claims were rated as “Half True.” Many experts believe her statements lacked important context regarding historical policies and practices surrounding the management of bird flu. It seems that while the current administration may be dealing with the fallout, the seeds of this crisis were planted by a mix of policies and unfortunate circumstances across several years.

The Bottom Line

In summary, the egg shortage and soaring prices stem from a complicated web of factors, including bird flu outbreaks and longstanding agricultural policies. As families continue to navigate rising grocery costs, the hope remains that the industry can recover and bring back those affordable dozen eggs that we all know and love. It’s a tough time for both shoppers and farmers alike.