Avian influenza is in the same virus family as seasonal flu. Poultry has proven to be very sensitive to the virus, which results in high mortality.

Most experts agree with the industry that bird flu is to blame. Millions of birds have been killed, but critics say egg supplies remain too robust to justify the higher prices.

With record high egg prices, should the U.S. vaccinate chickens against bird flu? Any such program would be expensive and logistically difficult.