Bird flu impacting California's egg supply

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's New Year's Eve, but some people might feel like they're on an Easter egg hunt.

When you do find eggs, the price might shock you.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, egg prices in California jumped 70% from November to December, bringing the average cost for a dozen eggs to $8.97.

Save Mart had some of the cheaper eggs we found at $5.99 a dozen.

The grocery chain sent Action News a statement, writing, in part:

"We are working diligently with our suppliers to provide and replenish quantities of safe, quality products to serve the needs of our shoppers."

Most other stores, including Vons, are charging 6.99 a dozen but restocking has been difficult.

There are several reasons for the shortage.

"Around fall and winter, eggs tend to go up in demand and that can be because of holiday baking. All those pies and cakes we're eating usually tend to use eggs so there's a demand there," said Elizabeth Ayoola, a personal finance expert for NerdWallet.

Feed and fuel costs are also factors, and the bird flu.

"It comes in and wipes out everything, because of that and us being the backbone of feeding the nation it's hard because then you get a loss of supply," said Nathan Hutchinson, owner of Nate's Chicks in Madera.

Hutchinson added he knows how devastating just one infection can be.

"When one bird ends up testing positive, you have to put down the whole barn," said Hutchinson.

It takes months to recover from a loss like that, so the shortage could be sticking around for a while.

In the meantime, financial experts say there are ways to try saving money.

When it comes to grocery shopping, don't put all your eggs in one basket:

"I think it's just really about shopping around at this stage and sometimes having to buy maybe not the typical brand that you buy," said Ayoola.

She also suggests signing up for rewards programs offered by some stores to look for the best bargains, or credit cards that give you rewards like cash back when you buy groceries.

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