Bird flu outbreaks in Japan have led to a significant increase in egg prices, with the wholesale price reaching its highest level since 1993 and nearly doubling from the previous year. The rising prices are causing concerns for consumers and businesses, with some even halting the sale of products that use eggs. The high number of poultry culled since October has set a record for a single bird flu epidemic season in Japan, with the epidemic spreading to areas that had not previously been affected. It is expected that it will take some time for Japan's egg supply to return to normal.