GREEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKRC) – The ongoing bird flu outbreak is having a dramatic impact on the egg supply throughout the United States, resulting in grocery stores implementing purchase restrictions.

Local consumers are feeling the effects as egg prices continue to climb.

“We rely on eggs pretty frequently,” shared Kala Soaper. “Lately, we’ve been seeing prices range from five to seven dollars on average, and that definitely makes a noticeable difference.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported that more than 10 million birds in Ohio have died due to the bird flu, worsening the supply crisis.

“Until that delivery truck arrives and I see the eggs on that pallet, I can’t be certain whether I’m receiving them or not,” commented Chris Hatting of Hatting’s Super Market.

Hatting described the current egg shortage as unprecedented.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we never encountered an egg situation like this. I always had access to them, and prices never soared to the levels we’re seeing now,” Hatting noted.

In the last two months alone, Hatting’s Super Market has witnessed a $5 increase in the average cost of a dozen eggs.

“Every week, the prices just keep rising,” Hatting added.

While Trader Joe’s has started limiting customers to one dozen eggs each, Kroger has not placed any restrictions in the local area, and Walmart also has no limitations in place.

“If I see someone come in with a cart loaded with 20 dozen eggs, I’m going to say, ‘No, that can’t happen,'” Hatting stated. “You just have to wait and see how this unfolds. I believe we are in for a prolonged situation.”

The Ohio Health Department has reported the state’s first human case of bird flu. A man from Mercer County, who works on a farm, contracted the virus after coming into contact with an infected dead bird.