The bird flu has been infecting American flocks for years, leading to a series of infections and increased egg prices. But now, there's a new twist: A different strain has been detected in U.S. poultry.

The humble egg, one of nature’s perfect foods, a self-packaged, relatively inexpensive source of protein that can serve as a lowly hangover remedy or help a souffle rise to heavenly heights, is also a great teacher. It’s helping Americans understand how a free-market economy works: When demand is high and supply is low, prices rise.

Generally, yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reports that the chances of eggs or poultry infected by the bird flu entering the food chain are “extremely low.” A quick onset of symptoms in infected poultry, as well as flock testing and inspections, are able to reduce the likelihood of contaminated products reaching store shelves.