It's the chicken, not the egg. A highly pathogenic avian flu strain has been circulating in North America since 2022, and it has recently taken root at poultry farms across the country, according to New Mexico Livestock Board officials.

Though the avian flu is — for now — affecting flocks mostly in California and the Midwest, the diminished supplies are hitting grocers in Massachusetts.

Currently, egg prices in Brevard County range from $3.50 to $7.50 per dozen, depending on the store and the type of eggs. "We are experiencing shortages of eggs due to the ongoing Avian Bird Flu (HPAI) situation," said Lindsey Willis, media relations manager for Publix.

Nationally, on average, egg prices have increased more than 50% since June, back when a dozen eggs cost $2.72.

The price of eggs has skyrocketed -- if eggs are even available -- at some Reno grocers as avian flu continues to cause nationwide shortages. The shelves have been empty for nearly three weeks at the Safeway at Damonte Ranch Town Center, according to employee Avi Weiss.

"We're short of eggs in the market; that's why prices are high. At the same time, too, we're short of eggs to rebuild the flock," said an ISU professor.

The first case of avian flu in a commercial poultry operation has been found, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

DELMARVA -- Delaware kicked off its annual agricultural week Monday without poultry sessions due to avian flu concerns. Some poultry farmers, and others within the peninsula's agricultural ...

The highly contagious avian influenza has wreaked havoc on the egg market. In November and December alone, 17.2 million egg-laying hens died as a result of the virus. That’s nearly half of all birds killed by the virus in 2024,

The first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia has been confirmed, leading to the suspension of all in-state poultry events. A 6.2-mile ...

Egg prices have increased nationwide by about 38% in the past year. In other cases, eggs are absent from shelves altogether. Why?

Since early 2024, the U.S. has logged 66 human cases of H5N1. Scientists are keeping a watchful eye on the virus’s spread as we enter a new year.