The US Department of Agriculture stated that if avian influenza does not subside, egg prices will continue to rise. California, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio have all experienced large-scale outbreaks of avian influenza. In January of this year, 8.3 million chickens died in the United States. The merchant has increased the price of eggs. In California, 12 large eggs currently cost $8.35 (approximately RMB 60.5).