In the wake of a massive outbreak of bird flu, the United States is scrambling to address a pressing shortage of eggs, prompting inquiries to European nations for potential imports. This crisis has emerged from a wave of infections affecting millions of birds, primarily in the U.S., where over 160 million poultry have been culled since the outbreak began.
On March 20, 2025, Michael Wurzer from Austria’s poultry association reported an increase in inquiries from the U.S. embassy about importing eggs from Austria. However, he added that Austria is facing its own tight supply situation and cannot currently send more eggs to the U.S. However, logistical difficulties also pose a significant challenge, as eggs require careful storage and have a minimum shelf life of 28 days.
The bird flu outbreak in the U.S. has been described as the largest recorded wave of avian influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 12,500 wild bird cases have been confirmed, along with outbreaks in nearly 1,000 cattle herds across 17 states, and 70 cases in humans. This has led to increased scrutiny and concern as experts believe that the virus may be more widespread than reported.
Virologist Seema Lakdawala from Emory University highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak's full extent, stating, "We do not know the magnitude of this outbreak in the U.S. There are evidently infections that we are not catching." As the outbreaks continue, eggs have become a scarce commodity in U.S. supermarkets, with reports indicating that many stores are limiting sales to just one dozen or even three eggs per customer.
Prices have skyrocketed, with egg prices reportedly exceeding $10 per dozen in some areas. To put this into perspective, a dozen large Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in December 2024, up from $2.50 the previous year. The recent surge in demand for eggs has led the U.S. to ask Germany and other European countries, including Denmark and Sweden, for increased exports.
"We have indeed received a request from the U.S.," stated a spokesperson for the German Egg Association. Just as the situation in Austria remains dire due to domestic demand outpacing supply, the state of egg production in Germany is similarly pressured. Although the outbreaks have not reached the same level as in the U.S., the country's beef and dairy supply remain unaffected since cattle can withstand infections without needing to be culled.
In 2023, Germany imported 73% of the eggs consumed in the country, further complicating its ability to respond robustly to the U.S. demand. The per capita egg consumption in Germany rose to 244 eggs per person in 2024, an increase of eight eggs compared to the previous year, indicating a growing market demand. Furthermore, reports indicate that wholesale prices have reached unprecedented highs—recently, 100 white eggs cost approximately €17.63, which is higher than retail prices in supermarkets.
Due to the timing of the inquiries from U.S. authorities, concerns have arisen about possible shortages during the upcoming Easter period. Hanka Mittelstädt, Brandenburg's Agricultural Minister, indicated that while some shortages are common around Easter, such circumstances might recur this year due to the rapid increase in demand.
Despite the current challenges in the egg supply chain, Wurzer reassured that Austria remains equipped to sustain its internal demand and should not face significant problems providing eggs for Easter. He stated, "We can still supply the Austrians with enough fresh eggs." He did, however, acknowledge that increased exports to the U.S. are improbable given the logistical hurdles and current domestic demands.
As the epidemic continues to unfold, the discussions over imports highlight critical issues of food security and supply chain dependencies in an interconnected global market. Supermarkets have responded to rising prices and limited stock by rationing eggs and adjusting pricing strategies, suggesting potential long-term implications for consumers.
In conclusion, the outbreak of bird flu in the U.S. has triggered a complex web of shortages and pricing pressures as demands rise significantly. While other nations such as Germany and Austria face their own challenges, the situation underscores the delicate balance required in global food distribution networks and the urgent need for a coordinated response amid a health crisis.
