WNC Faces Egg Shortages Amid Bird Flu Concerns

WNC --  Western North Carolina is feeling the effects of a nationwide egg shortage, with prices skyrocketing and supply dwindling. While
the region itself has not reported any major bird flu outbreaks

among local poultry farms, recent cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds and commercial operations elsewhere in North Carolina have contributed to the supply chain disruptions.

Bird Flu in Western North Carolina: What’s Happening?

Although no commercial poultry farms in Western North Carolina have reported bird flu cases, several instances of HPAI have been confirmed in local wild bird populations.

In February 2025, a deceased waterfowl at Osceola Lake in Henderson County tested positive for H5N1 (WLOS).
Earlier detections included waterfowl at Lake Julian Park in Buncombe County and Lake Louise in 2024 (Citizen Times).
State agricultural officials emphasize that while these cases in wild birds are concerning, the risk to humans remains low. However, poultry farmers are urged to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from spreading to domestic flocks (NCDA&CS).

How Bird Flu is Impacting North Carolina Poultry

While Western North Carolina's local farms have not reported infections, other parts of the state have been hit hard.

In January 2025, a commercial layer operation in Hyde County lost nearly 2.8 million hens due to an HPAI outbreak (NCDA&CS).
Later that month, a commercial turkey farm in Sampson County also tested positive for HPAI (NCDA&CS).
These outbreaks are part of a broader trend across the U.S., where bird flu has led to the loss of millions of egg-laying hens, creating a national egg supply crisis. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), egg prices have risen nearly 20% in 2025 due to these supply disruptions (Yahoo News).

Egg Shortages and Price Spikes in Western North Carolina

The effects of these outbreaks are now reaching Western North Carolina residents.

In Charlotte, egg prices have soared by as much as 175% in just a few weeks, with some stores charging $7.99 per dozen (WSOCTV).
The USDA reported that, as of mid-February, the national wholesale price for a dozen large, white eggs reached $8.07 (USDA Market News).
This sudden rise in costs is not just affecting grocery stores. Local restaurants and bakeries, many of which rely on fresh eggs from nearby farms, are struggling to maintain prices without passing the costs on to customers.

Why Are Prices So High if Local Farms Aren’t Reporting Outbreaks?

Even though Western North Carolina hasn’t seen bird flu outbreaks in commercial poultry farms, the national and statewide impacts are unavoidable. The key factors behind the price surge include:

National Supply Chain Disruptions: When large commercial operations, like those in Hyde County, experience mass poultry losses, the overall egg supply shrinks. This affects the entire market, including local grocers and farmers in WNC who might have to compete with buyers from outside the region (WattAgNet).

Increased Demand on Local Farms: With national egg brands facing shortages, consumers and retailers are turning to local farmers to fill the gap. This sudden demand surge has strained supply chains, pushing prices even higher.

Preventive Measures Slowing Production: Even farms that have not been directly impacted by bird flu are taking extra precautions, including limiting flock movements and investing in new biosecurity measures. These changes can slow down production and distribution (NCDA&CS).

What Farmers and Consumers Can Do

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is urging poultry farmers to remain vigilant. State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin has advised producers to continue following strict biosecurity measures, such as:

✅ Restricting farm access
✅ Disinfecting equipment
✅ Monitoring for signs of illness

Prompt reporting of any unusual bird deaths or symptoms is essential to prevent potential outbreaks (NCDA&CS).

For consumers, buying local eggs directly from farmers' markets or small-scale producers may be one way to secure a reliable supply. However, even these sources may be impacted by the broader supply chain disruptions.

Looking Ahead: When Will Prices Stabilize?

Experts predict that egg prices will remain high for the foreseeable future, as poultry farms work to replenish lost flocks and stabilize production. The USDA has indicated that if HPAI outbreaks continue, prices could rise further before declining later in the year.

While Western North Carolina has largely avoided direct impacts from bird flu outbreaks, the region is not immune to the national crisis. As farmers and consumers adapt to these challenges, staying informed and supporting local agriculture will be key to navigating the uncertain months ahead.

For the latest updates on avian influenza in North Carolina, visit the NCDA&CS website.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes

Sources:

NCDA&CS – Hyde County Commercial Layer Operation Tests Positive for HPAI
NCDA&CS – Sampson County Turkey Farm Tests Positive for HPAI 
Citizen-Times – Bird Flu in NC: What We Know
USDA Market News – Egg Pricing Report
Yahoo News – Why Egg Prices Are So Expensive in 2025
NCDA&CS Blog – Biosecurity Measures for Poultry Farmers
New York Post – Egg Prices May Rise Another 20% in 2025