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This year, it’s not just Americans who are getting sick from the flu.
The ongoing avian flu outbreak has infected millions of US wild birds, commercial poultry and backyards in the US since January 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus also spread to dairy cows last year, and since then, herds of around 1,000 people have been affected in 16 states.
It’s happening in humans too. Since 2024, there have been 67 confirmed cases and one death in the United States, according to the CDC. In most cases, the person’s exposure was from an infected animal. There have been no confirmed cases of bird flu spreading from person to person.
Avian influenza caused by the H5N1 strain of the influenza A virus is a serious infection that can lead to severe illness and death, so millions of birds have been killed to control the outbreak. As a result, egg prices have skyrocketed and grocery store shelves have increased.
You may wonder if eggs and other chicken products are still safe. This is something you’ve known up to date about what’s safe on your table amidst avian flu outbreaks.
Are eggs safe?
Currently, there is no evidence that no one in the US has contracted the bird flu after eating pre-cooked chicken products. However, according to the World Health Organization, uncooked poultry products may have been the source of a small number of cases in Southeast Asia.
Therefore, the CDC says that if the eggs are cooked properly, they can be safely eaten.
This means cooking eggs to a temperature within 165 degrees Fahrenheit, killing bacteria and viruses, including avian flu.
Experts also say that it is unlikely that eggs contaminated with avian flu will reach the kitchen as there are several protective measures. For example, farmers who notice sick birds tend to cull the remaining flocks to stop the spread of the virus. Furthermore, sick birds usually die before they can lay infected eggs. Federal regulations also require eggs that receive grades from the USDA to be disinfected before they are sold.
Is chicken and beef safe?
As the outbreak of bird flu affects both cows and chickens, you may wonder if the meat is safe. And the answer is yes if it is cooked properly according to the CDC.
The CDC recommends cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ground beef is cooked to 160 degrees F, with an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, and the beef is cut to 145 degrees F, and rest for 3 minutes.
Keep raw poultry and beef separate from other cooked foods.
Are there any foods to avoid due to bird flu?
The CDC says it is unclear at this time whether drinking raw milk from infected cows or related products could cause human avian flu.
But whether there is an outbreak of avian flu, public health officials say only pasteurized dairy should be consumed because pasteurization kills both bacteria and viruses.
Raw milk and everything made with it can be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious illnesses, such as Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Burcella, and Coxiella burnetii.
The CDC also recommends that you pay attention when consuming products made from raw milk, such as certain soft cheeses, ice cream, and yogurt.
Tests will begin on December 16th.
Other Avian Flu Safety Tips
Health officials highlight current risks to the general public from avian flu, but some people are risking such as farm workers, wildlife, slaughterhouse workers, veterinary staff and backyard herds. It’s expensive.
Avian influenza is a respiratory virus like Covid and colds, and humans become ill when they breathe viral particles, come into contact with something contaminated by the virus, or touch the mouth, eyes, or nose. .
Experts are closely monitoring the virus, but no confirmed cases of avian flu spread from humans to humans.
Take these precautions to reduce the risk of avian flu:
Get your flu shot. The flu vaccine does not protect against avian flu, but it reduces the chances of contracting the flu and avian flu at the same time. Do not touch birds or other animals that may be infected. Take appropriate care of backyard flocks, such as separating your pet from livestock, washing your hands after contact, without placing birds near your face. Do not touch sick or dead birds without proper protective equipment. They exchange clothes and footwear, take a shower after handling birds and dairy cows. Wash your hands after touching the animal before eating or drinking. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
This story originally appeared on Today.com. Read more from today:
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