Publix reports egg shortage due to bird flu

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Published  January 9, 2025 5:36pm EST
FOX 13 News
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Eggs are in short supply at Publix

Publix says it is experiencing an egg shortage due to the bird flu. Ariel Placensia reports.

The Brief

    • Publix is experiencing an egg shortage due to the bird flu.
    • A Bay Area breakfast joint says it uses between 600-800 eggs a day and is concerned about a potential shortage.
    • In November 2024, eggs cost more than 70% more than they did a year earlier, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

LAKELAND, Fla. - Some grocery stores are reporting a limited egg supply due to avian influenza, which is also known as bird flu. 

The spread of avian influenza has impacted the nationwide supply of poultry products, including eggs.

"(Avian influenza) has always been around. But sometimes we get strains that are more virulent, more deadly to chickens. And then that's when people get concerned," University of Florida poultry veterinarian Dr. Gary Butcher told FOX 13. "And then with this particular strain here, there's the extra concern, because there's evidence now that it's able to spread to infect dairy cows. 

There are reports of it in many, many different animals, different types of animals. And of course, there's also reports of it occurring -- very rarely -- but occurring in humans." 

READ: Bird flu latest: Louisiana confirms 1st human death in US

FOX 13 reached out to several grocery chains in the Bay Area to find out how the bird flu is impacting their egg supply. 

File: Eggs

What they are saying: "We are experiencing shortages on eggs due to the Avian Bird Flu (HPAI), which has created a rise in egg demand," a Publix spokesperson told FOX 13 in a statement. "As a result, items in this section have limited availability. We are working to bring these products back as soon as possible. We encourage customers to check back regularly, as our stores are receiving routine deliveries."

"Although supply is tight in some areas, Walmart is working with suppliers to help meet customer demand," a Walmart spokesperson said. 

Local perspective: FOX 13 is waiting to hear back from other grocery chains, but some local businesses said they’ve noticed it’s been difficult to find eggs. 

Karin Araya owns Bacon Egg’n Cheese and said his family business sometimes goes through 600–800 eggs in one day alone. 

Bacon Egg’n Cheese goes through 600-800 eggs a day. 

"So we need to come up with a lot of eggs," Araya said. "So this is why it's a little nerve-wracking to have this problem."

He told FOX 13 he shops at several different grocery stores, looking for eggs. 

"They don't know when they're going to get eggs. So that's a little scary," Araya said of one particular store. "And aside from that, you just got to deal with buying the most expensive ones just because they’re the last ones left."

Why you should care: According to the most recent numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a dozen eggs cost $3.65 on average in November. That’s more than they cost in October, and about 70% more expensive compared to last November.

According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the state’s poultry industry has 11.3 million egg layers.

While there are plenty of states reporting bird flu in commercial flocks over the last 30 days, a USDA map shows there have been no reported cases in that timeframe in Florida. 

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