With food prices on the rise, the last thing we need is a bird flu breakout. News 12's consumer reporter Janice Lieberman gives us The Real Deal on what that all means to us.

Egg prices are up 50% from the beginning of February. Analysts blame the increase on the avian flu and more.

Easter and Passover are also a factor, with the holidays' reliance on eggs.

The price of soybeans and corn to feed the chickens is up. And about 17 million birds have died due to the avian flu outbreak, according to officials.

How can you make your eggs last? Below are some tips:

1. One private label egg will cost you about 16 cents, while the name brand costs 24 cents.

2. Inspect eggs for cracks, because once they are cracked, if there was a bad egg, the bacteria can leak around the rest of the eggs.

3. Store them in the original container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, not on the door.

4. Check for the expiration date. Eggs last for about three weeks, so make sure that you buy a date that's at least three or four weeks out from the day you purchase them.

Industry experts say they are trying to contain the bird flu, but still expect prices on eggs and even poultry to remain high for some time.

  If you have a story idea, question or tip, click here to reach out to Janice.