According to the latest data from the USDA, the number of birds affected by cases spiked over the last three months. That change is creating a shortage of chickens, and a lack of eggs as a result.

Consumers can blame bird flu for the disruptions in the egg market, experts say. Close to 40 million egg-laying hens that are part of the commercial egg supply chain died as a result of the influenza strain and also because of fires.