Between January 2022 and November 2024, 1,200 bird flu outbreaks were identified across 48 states, according to a Wildlife Management Institute report.

As the bird flu wreaks havoc on the the poultry industry, egg prices are surging, putting pressure on restaurants, grocers and consumers.

The price of eggs have skyrocketed thanks to the bird flu, impacting everything from big-chain grocery stores and restaurants, to the local deli around the corner selling your favorite bacon, egg and cheese.

“While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived we cannot predict how long this shortage will last,” Waffle House said in a statement. “We are continuously monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow.”

Waffle House became one of the first big chains to join smaller restaurants with surcharges for egg dishes. Economists don’t see near-term relief on egg prices.

Restaurants are being forced to up their prices as ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) -- or bird flu -- continues to limit supplies.