Prices of Eggs Begin To Soar In Oklahoma Due to Bird Flu Outbreak

Everyone doing grocery shopping in Oklahoma had noticed the high prices of eggs. Before the holidays, the price of eggs began to slowly increase, and as the new year begins, prices are close to resembling the high prices experienced during the pandemic.

The average cost of eggs in Oklahoma in 2024 was $4.92. The price of eggs can range in cost based on brand or store but Oklahomans have noticed an increase in the cost of eggs and other groceries during the holiday season. Compared to last year, the price of eggs increased by 8 percent in November 2024 and 37.5 over the past year, according to the Consumer Price Index report from December 2024.

We looked at the cost of a dozen eggs in local stores in Lawton, Oklahoma, and the average price for stores like Target and Walmart average egg costs at $5 as of Thursday, Jan. 2. And for those who shop for eggs and dairy at their local Braum's will be paying $6.99 for a dozen eggs.

There have also been recalls issued in products due to possible bird flu contamination. A cat was reported to have died from eating cat food that was contaminated. And California warned residents of ingesting raw milk due to bird flu contamination.

Bird flu cases have been on the rise since 2022 and spiked in 2024.

Bird flu cases of H5N1 began increasing in 2022 and have ebbed and flowed ever since. But there has been an increase of cases in 2024 and some cases of human infection have also been reported. As of Jan. 2, the CDC recorded more than 128 million bird flu cases and confirmed cases have been detected in all 50 states.

An article from the Oklahoma Voice that was published on Dec. 11, 2024, reported that in Oklahoma over 100,000 birds have been euthanized due the highly pathogenic avian influenza. In Oklahoma, cases have been reported in both commercial and backyard flocks, including dairy herds.