MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Today, I went to a local grocery store in Montgomery. The price for a dozen eggs was over $8.
Leaders in agriculture told CBS 42 avian bird flu is keeping egg prices high and some shelves empty across the state.
"It's a real problem. So, the small farmers are trying to help," said Keith Southard, owner of Southard Farms in Huntsville.
He said they collect 600 eggs a day and sell them directly to customers. Southard says the bird flu is actually helping his sales.
"People start searching out for other sources of eggs," Southard explained. "And we have our online store and website so people can find us there, and do find us on Facebook. So, we usually pick up a lot of business."
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said it's a supply and demand issue. He said don't expect egg prices to come back down before Easter.
"It's nothing that we won't backfill and end up with enough eggs for everyone. But, for that short period of time, yeah, it's a shortage of supply."
Pate explained that shortage of supply is due to the bird flu. He said it's wiped out 80 million table-laying chickens nationwide.
"Market pace will respond. It can't overnight go replace those 80 million chickens," said Pate. "But, we're steady replacing 'em. And course, Easter, obviously egg prices always go up in March and April."
Until Easter, the Alabama Grocers' Association is offering advice. Ellie Taylor, president, said you should do your research before buying your eggs.
"Every store has their advantages. So, like I said, be checking on social media or in flyers on those things and find the lowest prices out there," she said. "Because it may be one store has a bunch and then the other's gonna get it the next day."
Commissioner Pate warns against drinking raw milk. He said the avian flu can get into dairy cows, too.