Avian flu isn't gouging turkey, egg prices this Thanksgiving

2022's massive avian flu outbreak is still spreading across the country, but its impact on meat and egg production is less widespread this year.

Why it matters: Expect lower turkey and poultry prices this Thanksgiving.

State of play: Nearly 5 million turkeys, chickens and other birds were killed nationally this year because of the bird flu. That's compared to the 58 million killed last year.

Zoom in: About 1.4 million birds have been culled statewide this year, including a flock of 1.2 million chickens at an egg farm in southwest Iowa this month, according to Iowa Capital Dispatch.

• Last year, nearly double were killed here — 2.5 million birds.

Context: Iowa is the largest egg producer in the country.

What's happening: The virus spreads more easily during fall's bird migration.

By the numbers: Egg prices averaged around $2.07 a dozen last month, down from a peak of $4.82 in January.

• Meanwhile, frozen wholesale turkey that was $1.35 per pound last year was $1.15 per pound last month, according to the AP.