The recent bird flu outbreaks on the Eastern Shore of Maryland could be the culprit behind rising prices of a household staple, eggs.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the bird flu, also known as Avian Influenza, “is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds.”
Since the virus can be found in various animals including birds, geese, cows, and goats, it can have a major effect on many industries, including the poultry and dairy industry. Maryland is just one of many states that have recently felt these effects.

With the cost of grocery prices already on the rise, Baltimore residents are even more unhappy with the current situation. For college students like Zaira Rehman ‘26, the prices were shocking at the Giant Grocery Store in Hampden, the highest being $10.99 per dozen and $14.69 per dozen.
“I’m definitely not thrilled about the egg price increase. Especially since I feel like it’s a staple grocery for me,” Rehman said.
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, Kevin Atticks, explained more about why Maryland has seen an increase in prices for certain products.
“When you have egg layer operations that are affected, unfortunately, that operation goes offline for a month or two or more. And so, if there are enough of those that are affected, then egg prices will inevitably go up,” Atticks said.
Aside from the price raise, Atticks assures residents that they can continue buying eggs, poultry, and pasteurized milk, explaining that the flu cannot transmit to humans through these products.
“We encourage folks to drink pasteurized milk. Milk on the shelf is safe. Chicken, meat, and eggs are safe. It’s really more about being in contact with the animal and the virus jumping to humans,” Atticks said.
Atticks also encourages residents to buy from farmers markets and local farm owners to support local agriculture.
In terms of scientific knowledge on the disease, microbiology professor Andrew Schoeffield emphasized the sheer amount of information that scientists know about the disease.
“Scientists know a great deal about the biology of bird flu. We have a great deal of knowledge regarding the typical host range of the virus. The prevalence of the virus is constantly being monitored in susceptible host animals,” Schoeffield said.
Currently, the disease does not spread human to human, but that could change as the virus mutates. Both Schoeffield and Atticks emphasized the importance of containing the virus, and preventing the mutations.
“Let’s not let the virus mutate… let’s keep it contained. And that’s one of the reasons we are so quick to act when we hear of a case of chickens being sick, or snow geese” Atticks stated.
In the meantime, prices may remain or continue to increase. For more information about active cases and next steps, visit Maryland Department of Health’s Avian Influenza page.