Shortage leaves shoppers, restaurants scrambling for eggs

The December spike in bird flu was the latest outbreak. In 2022 there were thousands of cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the United States in both wild birds and domestic poultry. The strain of HPAI detected in the U.S. was the same strain that spread across Europe and Asia, resulting in the deaths of many wild birds, domestic poultry, and has even been found in some wild mammals.

According to the Alaska State Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Gerlach, U.S. Department of Agriculture says over 43 million egg-laying chickens have been lost in the U.S. since the outbreak began back in the early spring of last year.

The bird flu, and resulting loss of egg-laying poultry has impacted the egg supply nationwide since March of 2022, according to Tiffany Sanders, a corporate affairs manager with Fred Meyer. A quick stop into the local Fred Meyers egg case, shoppers are met with a 2-limit to how many cartons customers can purchase egg purchase.

Meanwhile, local Three Bears Alaska grocery stores are also facing empty or near-empty egg cases. That has the grocery chain has been buying larger packs of eggs and then breaking them down into dozens.

“We have big holes right now where eggs would go,” Jim Kolb said. “And we’re trying to fill it in as best we can, but it is what it is.”

When eggs can be found, the prices are often notably higher. A recent trip to a local Three Bears, there were no eggs, but the price tag showed that a dozen repack eggs were selling for $5.99.

While the impact is felt in households across the state, the egg shortage has been detrimental to local restaurants and bakeries who rely on eggs to create meals.

“It’s been a struggle trying to find eggs and when we do, we are only allowed to get a limited amount. Thankfully we haven’t run out of eggs yet,” said Ruben Sandoval, owner of the Big Lake Family Restaurant in Big Lake. His restaurant’s breakfast is a big part of their menu, offering the breakfast option all day to hungry eaters.

“We serve 3 eggs with our breakfasts versus 2, and while we could use the extra egg right now, we do what we do to keep our customers happy.” And sometimes keeping those customers happy has meant that he and his mother, Maria, have been going to stores every day and night looking for eggs, hoping to get lucky. They have even considered having to change vendors and going a different route in order to save money and not raise their prices.

“We didn’t raise prices, even though they (vendors) raise them on us. Customers might not understand that if we have to raise prices, it is done reluctantly. If we don’t, it can break a business,” says Sandoval.

While he has not had to raise prices, cut the amount of eggs they serve or limit breakfast hours, the egg shortage does weigh on his mind, especially the impact that could have to his patrons.

“The community we have in Big Lake is awesome and they support us all the way, so the only way to pay them back is to continue cooking delicious eggs.”

While Sandoval deals with vendor and egg supply issues, he says the egg shortage has made him consider raising his own chickens. He may say that with a smile, but it is an option that has been gaining in popularity the past few months.

Chick-a-palooza, the popular poultry store in Wasilla has seen a spike in people wanting to purchase chickens to raise themselves. And while chicken owners, seasoned or new, can get all things related to poultry at the store, another special part of the store is section devoted to those selling their eggs.

“Chicken and duck eggs are flying out pretty fast,” says owner Angela Walker.

While the bird flu mostly affected migratory waterfowl that migrated south by the winter months, there are still some resident wild birds that are carriers of the HPAI virus. These birds may be a risk to domestic poultry. Poultry owners are advised to take preventative measures to limit contact between wild and domestic birds to protect their flocks. According to the Alaska State Veterinarian website, these steps include “covering coops and runs; preventing free-ranging of birds in areas with wild birds, especially waterfowl; and using dedicated clothing and footwear when handling birds in your flock.”

Local resident Stefani Schwark, who raises hens at her home, has felt the impact of both the bird flu and the increase in prices.

“With the bird flu going around, we had to kill 1hen we’d gotten just that spring, as the hen was acting strange. The other hens never got what that one had thankfully,” said Schwark.

She says that she has seen a rise in the cost of feed as well.

“It’s gone up about $5.00 to $7.00 a bag, and as our 8hens eat about 50 pounds every 6 weeks. I’ve also seen an increase in treats and feed supplements costs.”

For more information on HPAI, visit www.dec.alaska.gov/eh/vet/announcements/avian-influenza-outbreaks