Egg Prices Ease, Farmers Prepare for Spring Migration

Mar 31, 2026

By Bernt Nelson

Key Takeaways

Egg prices have fallen sharply as production recovers after HPAI-driven volatility.
HPAI detections rose sharply in January and February 2026 with 15.5 million birds affected in those months. While this is substantial, it is 56% fewer birds than at the same time in 2025. Detections slowed in March, reflecting progress in managing the outbreak.
USDA is urging farmers to be vigilant with biosecurity. As the spring migration gets underway, HPAI is being detected in both wild birds and domestic poultry flocks across the country, increasing the risk of exposure.
USDA biosecurity assessments provide poultry and egg farmers with resources to protect flocks and safeguard food supply.

After a period of sharp volatility driven by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), egg markets are beginning to stabilize with prices easing by 57% from last year’s highs as production recovers.

That progress comes as the industry enters the spring migration period; a time of year typically associated with increased disease pressure from HPAI. However, stronger biosecurity practices, ongoing flock rebuilding and a more coordinated USDA response are helping support continued stability in both supply and markets.

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Video: Trailer Biosecurity at Harvest Plants - Dr. Lucas Ferreira

In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Lucas Ferreira, a Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota, discusses trailer contamination risks at packing plants. He shares research on pathogen prevalence, seasonal trends, driver biosecurity practices, and factors contributing to contamination during transport. He highlights opportunities to strengthen biosecurity and reduce disease transmission across swine operations. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Trailer washing gaps allow harvest plant contamination to increase pathogen risk before equipment returns to farms or wash facilities."

Meet the guest: Dr. Lucas Ferreira https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-fer... is a veterinarian from Brazil currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Minnesota. His work focuses on swine pathogen epidemiology, detection, control, and prevalence, with an emphasis on science-driven solutions that improve herd health and biosecurity. Learn more from Dr. Lucas Ferreira on The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.