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With as many as 158 million egg-producing chickens killed, thanks to an Avian flu outbreak, the availability of eggs has given way to some retailers limiting the number of eggs customers can purchase.

That, coupled with the increase in costs associated with egg production, has seen the price of the “perfect protein” increase to its highest price — ever.

During the Covid epidemic in 2020-2022, the price of eggs increased substantially, but for completely different reasons. That increase in price and limited availability was due to the transportation and other supply-chain issues.

This new dilemma is tied to the Avian flu outbreak seen across the country. However, not all chickens have seen an impact in production due to the outbreak.

Some experts have indicated that the majority of birds impacted by the virus were of the egg-producing variety. Since birds raised for meat purposes are a different variety (broilers), the shortage and price increases in that area have seen little change.

As the price of eggs is expected to rise by as much as 21 percent in the coming weeks, many retailers have already instituted limits on purchases.

With Easter just around the corner, now may be a good time to consider and alternative to dying the traditional eggs this spring.

Currently, prices in the Brewton area are showing a dramatic increase in price with some retailers posting a nearly-$10 per dozen price on premium egg brands.