Supermarkets across Douglas Shire have been maintaining a two-carton limit on eggs - if you can find any there at all.

A Newsport survey in Mossman and Port Douglas last week found all three supermarkets had 24-egg limits, and only Woolworths in Mossman had eggs in stock.

The ongoing Australia-wide shortage of eggs is being blamed on avian influenza outbreaks in Victoria, NSW and the ACT last year, combined with changes in the market, where more people are switching to free-range eggs instead of eating ones laid by caged chickens.

Some experts have also said free-range chickens may be more susceptible to illnesses such as bird flu because they have a greater chance of coming into contact with wild birds.

Queensland United Egg Producers chief executive Melinda Hashimoto said bird flu mainly impacted last year, when many flocks were destroyed, which has been affecting production this year.

“The good news is that the majority of farms impacted by avian influenza have now restocked with new layer hens and egg production on these properties is expected to gradually return to normal,” Ms Hashimoto said.

There is also the impact of new laws where all caged hens will be phased out by 2036.

“The egg industry is facing a transitional period as some egg farms transition from cage egg production to barn laid or free-range production systems,” she said. 

“This is in anticipation of a phase out of conventional caged eggs in many states as a result of changes to Australia’s animal welfare standards and guidelines for poultry."

Other factors contributing to shortages include: Australia’s growing population is demanding more eggs, and; Coles and Woolworths have pledged to phase out cage eggs by the end of this year.

The price of eggs has also been rising in line with the shortages, with some producers now asking for up to $1 per egg.