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Posted: 2024-08-15 19:13:22

In short

Avian influenza outbreaks in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT have led to nationwide egg shortages since June.

Two major supermarket chains have a two-carton limit on eggs per customer in some states.

What's next?

Warmer weather in spring is expected to boost egg production and alleviate shortages.

For months, shoppers across Australia have grappled with low egg stocks at supermarkets.

Outbreaks of avian influenza in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT earlier this year — and the subsequent culling of about 1.8 million chickens — has led to major disruptions in egg supply chains.

But there is potential relief in sight.

Rowan McMonnies, managing director of not-for-profit company Australian Eggs, said the warmer weather ahead and flock rebuilding would help to ease shortages.

Free-range egg production typically declines over the winter months.

"For those that are impacted by a near-empty or completely empty shelf, it could feel like egg supply has collapsed. I can assure you it hasn't," Mr McMonnies said.

A chicken stares into the camera with more chickens and their movable shed in the background.

Tasmania has not been affected by avian Influenza outbreaks.(ABC News: Jennifer Nichols)

"We're still doing more than 18 million eggs every single day, but it's patchy in parts.

"One retailer might have the shortage one week and then they secure supply, but they might take it from another."

Mr McMonnies said the situation should resolve itself as egg production increased over spring.

"This disruption is ongoing across the winter and we are very much looking forward to the spring period," he said.

"We're hoping through that natural dynamic of the birds being outside, the sun shining, we do see an increase in production and we're looking for that relief on shelf."

Dozens of eggs in varying shades of brown and white arranged in cartons, crates and on a conveyor belt in the foreground.

Tasmania's largest egg producer will add 20,000 free-range birds to its flock at Longford, in the state's north.(ABC News: Morgan Timms)

Are shoppers panic buying?

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