Egg-Laying Hens at Nine-Year Low as Bird Flu Decimates US Flock

America’s flock of egg-laying hens dropped to the lowest since 2016 in January as avian influenza resulted in the death of millions of birds, driving egg prices to record levels.

Eggs have been setting new highs every week this year with fewer chickens hatching eggs. Supplies are running thin at grocery stores, sparking purchase limits, while restaurants such as Denny’s are adding surcharges.