India, Feb. 17 -- An ongoing bird flu outbreak in the United States has sent egg prices soaring, with consumers facing record-high costs for one of their basic protein sources.

The average price of a dozen Grade A eggs hit an unprecedented $4.95 ( Rs.429.91) in January 2025, according to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This surge marks a sharp rise of more than double the low of $2.04 ( Rs.176.47) recorded in August 2023.

The skyrocketing prices come as the avian influenza, or bird flu, continues to disrupt egg production. The outbreak has caused a significant reduction in the egg-laying hen population, pushing prices to levels not seen since the last bird flu outbreak in 2015. Prices of eggs have surged by a sta...