South Africans are outraged by the recent escalation of egg prices – and subsequent purchase limiting by retailers – with a tray of 30 costing more than R129.99, while 60 eggs cost around R239.99.

In a country where eggs are a staple meal for most South Africans, the price hikes on top of the already steadily rising cost of living, are of real concern.

Egg deliveries be like…👀😂#EggPrices #Eggs #FidelitySecurity pic.twitter.com/a5BKPOKoNF

— uBomiBam  (@Havana_Bloom) October 6, 2023

Driving the price is the recent avian flu outbreak, with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducting tests to determine the impact of this infectious disease in South Africa.

All birds are considered susceptible to infection, with migratory waterfowl, especially wild ducks, natural hosts for avian influenza.

However, they are most resistant to the infection, while chickens and turkeys are particularly susceptible.

Grocery retailer SPAR Group is exploring potentially importing eggs from several southern African countries as South Africa’s worst outbreak of avian flu hits egg supplies and threatens the supply of chicken meat.

– Reuters

— Nick Hedley (@nickhedley) October 6, 2023

Cabinet noted outbreaks of HPAI H5 in the Western Cape and KZN, while HPAI H7 has been reported in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West.

Control measures to manage the spread of the outbreaks are in place and farmers are encouraged to observe prescribed biosecurity measures.

Avian flu poses food security risks, with trade measures in place to manage the availability of fertile eggs, table eggs and poultry meat.

The Department of Agriculture, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, and the industry are exploring applications to register possible vaccines.

Again Supermarkets that claim they help and assist with monthly grocery bill HIKES egg prices because of the bird flu. Why increase the price of eggs, they do not manufacture them, or is this just an opportunity to RIP off the consumer again. Why charge R100 more GreatPrice TSK pic.twitter.com/JH4V49tg3w

— JO (@AllThingsImport) October 5, 2023