As the avian flu outbreak decimates chicken flocks, egg prices in the U.S. hit an average of $4.95 per dozen, reflecting a historic increase. Consumers face limited availability and high costs, with predictions of further price rises of up to 20% for the year. Major retailers are implementing purchase limits to manage shortages, and experts warn the situation will persist as millions of birds have been culled to contain the virus. The egg supply crunch hits consumers during peak demand periods, emphasizing the scale of the ongoing crisis in poultry production.