Fail to contain the bird flu. Although in the short term this will decrease our egg supply, ultimately we’ll be left with only the strongest chickens, from which we can breed stronger ones still. Strong chickens, strong economy.

Rising cost of eggs has some businesses scrambling

Egg prices rise due to bird flu and holiday demand, but experts say supply will rebound as conditions improve.

Researchers have stressed that bird flu still poses a minimal risk to the general public, though that may change as the virus continues to circulate and potentially mutate. But the many empty shelves in stores and higher prices on the eggs that people can find have raised concerns among consumers about the safety of the egg supply.

Thieves in the US state of Pennsylvania have stolen more than 100,000 eggs - worth $40,000 (£32,000) - from a single grocer. The heist targeted the back of a lorry at Pete & Gerry's Organics in Greencastle on 1 February,

Waffle House serves around 272 million eggs per year, according to its website, well surpassing even its titular waffles, of which it sells just 124 million. "We are continuously monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow," the statement ended.

A national egg shortage and skyrocketing prices have led to Waffle House adding a surcharge on eggs to keep up with the lack of supply.

Restaurants are being forced to up their prices as ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) -- or bird flu -- continues to limit supplies.