Egg prices have surged recently, industry data showed Thursday, raising concerns over potential supply disruptions linked to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The average retail price of a carton of 30 large eggs exceeded 7,000 won ($4.83) last week, according to the data from the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation. Prices had remained in the 6,000-won range since last month before climbing back above the 7,000-won mark. Separate data from the statistics ministry showed egg prices rose 7.3 percent in September from a year earlier, outpacing the 5.3 percent increase in overall livestock product prices. On Wednesday, the country reported three new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, bringing the total number of infections this season to 21. During the winter season, outbreaks at egg-laying hen farms totaled 11 cases, nearly double the number recorded during the same period last year. The agriculture ministry said about 3 million egg-laying hens have been culled so far this winter following confirmed outbreaks. Korea produces roughly 50 million eggs