Empty egg shelves are a sign of the devastating impact of avian influenza, H5N1 or HPAI, on commercial poultry flocks in California.

Consumers can blame bird flu for the disruptions in the egg market, experts say. Close to 40 million egg-laying hens that are part of the commercial egg supply chain died as a result of the influenza strain and also because of fires.

Though the avian flu is — for now — affecting flocks mostly in California and the Midwest, the diminished supplies are hitting grocers in Massachusetts.

Economists aren’t sure when the ongoing U.S. egg shortages will end, which is driving up costs for customers. Another wave of bird flu infections is to blame for the crisis.

The bird flu crisis is ravaging the nation's egg supply and presents an immediate challenge for the Trump administration.

The highly contagious avian influenza has wreaked havoc on the egg market. In November and December alone, 17.2 million egg-laying hens died as a result of the virus.

There’s been a shortage and price increase of eggs available at grocery stores nationwide, and Western Pennsylvania is not immune. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, is the culprit.