The spread of bird flu among poultry flocks in the United States is causing egg prices to skyrocket, reaching near-record numbers as 2024 comes to a close.

The average cost of a dozen Grade A large eggs was $3.65 in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's up from $3.37 in October and $2.50 at the beginning of the year.

The heftier prices come as farmers continue to battle a strain of H5N1 that continues to disrupt the country's egg supply.

Here's what you need to know.

Bird flu and lower egg production

Apart from a widespread bird flu problem, the United States has also seen a lower number of egg production across the country. According to statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture, egg production was down 4% in November compared to October.

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The same statistics also show that the hen flock also declined by about 3% during the same time period.

Are these the highest egg prices we've seen?

No. The prices for eggs in November are lower than the prices seen at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. In December 2022, a dozen eggs were $4.25, and in January 2023, they hit $4.82, the highest for the past decade, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bird flu impacting more than just birds

Officials across the country are becoming increasingly concerned that bird flu could potentially spark another pandemic. That's because the virus has already infected 65 people this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 

Out of those cases, the first severe bird flu case was identified in Louisiana, heightening concerns. But most people infected with bird flu in the U.S. have had mild symptoms.

Symptoms of H5N1 birth flu infection in humans may include pink eye, fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose and shortness of breath, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.