THE retail prices of eggs are on a “historic” high because the supply has been affected by the bird flu outbreak, the Philippine Egg Board Association said on Monday.

Irwin Ambal, the group’s president, said that egg prices will continue to climb in December because of the high demand during the holidays.

A tray of eggs costs between P205 and P210 from P185.

“The movement in the retail prices of eggs, especially in the last two weeks, is due to the problem in the supply in Central Luzon. Buyers in Central Luzon are now sourcing their eggs in Batangas. The eggs from Batangas are being supplied not only in Metro Manila but also in Central Luzon,” Ambal said.

Areas in Central Luzon, particularly in Pampanga, Tarlac and Bulacan have been greatly affected by the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus because of the migratory birds.

“The bird flu phenomenon is a worldwide problem, and we are not exempted as many farms in Central Luzon, especially those with migratory birds like Pampanga, Bulacan and Luzon,” Ambal said.

“The increase in the retail prices of eggs is a historical high. It started in the middle of the year. The price of eggs is very much affected by supply and demand. We expect it will go up further,” he added.

Ambal said that many countries where the Philippines imports breeders are also affected by the outbreak of HPAI.

“Poultry products in America, Europe are affected by the avian flu. As a result, the government implemented a ban because of the high incidence of avian influenza. We are now looking for other alternatives to supply the breeders,” he said.

Based on the monitoring of the Department of Agriculture on Monday, the retail price of medium eggs in the wet markets ranged from P6.50 to P7.50 per piece.