As bird flu spreads across 12 states, Dallas-Fort Worth could see another egg price spike

Fresh H5N1 bird flu detections in commercial poultry flocks across 12 states may soon increase egg and poultry prices for shoppers in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and other Texas metros. According to a June update from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the outbreak active since 2022 continues into 2026.

Why are egg and poultry prices increasing in Texas?

Newly reported infections in commercial flocks across 12 states are putting pressure on supply chains that serve major Texas cities. The affected flocks include turkeys, broiler chickens, and laying hens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Confirmed outbreaks require the birds in those flocks to be culled. Medical Daily reports that this process has pushed the total number of birds lost in this outbreak cycle to more than 100 million.

The USDA’s Economic Research Service states that large flock losses typically impact retail egg prices about six to eight weeks later. Shoppers in Dallas-Fort Worth have already experienced higher egg prices and occasional poultry disruptions since late 2024.

Is the commercial poultry supply safe for consumers?

Health agencies state the risk from these products is very low. No human infections have been linked to properly cooked food, according to the provided report.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service continues to test processing facilities for H5N1 to maintain oversight of the food supply. For those concerned about safety, health guidance suggests using pasteurized eggs for recipes that require less-cooked eggs and choosing fully cooked egg dishes when eating out.

How is the government managing the H5N1 outbreak?

The U.S. poultry industry is utilizing a “stamping out” strategy, which Medical Daily reports involves tightening biosecurity measures and depopulating infected flocks. This approach has helped prevent endemic transmission, though it has not eliminated the outbreak entirely.

Federal monitoring remains active. The USDA and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) update maps of affected operations on a weekly basis to track the spread.

What may happen next for grocery budgets?

As summer approaches, poultry and egg prices could continue to rise if infections persist in the Midwest and South. Households that rely on these staples may see further squeezes on their grocery budgets.

Restaurant menu prices may also rise as supply tightens in high-demand metro areas. To manage these costs, shoppers could explore plant-based food options or lower-cost alternatives to stretch their dollars amid price volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states are affected by the recent bird flu detections?
A June update from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service listed fresh H5N1 detections in commercial poultry flocks across 12 states.

How long does it take for flock losses to affect store prices?
According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, big flock losses typically show up in retail egg prices about six to eight weeks later.

What are the recommended precautions for consumers?
Consumers can use pasteurized eggs for recipes that call for less-cooked eggs and choose fully cooked egg dishes when eating at restaurants.

How do you adjust your grocery shopping habits when the price of staples like eggs increases?