You may have been seeing “avian flu” or “bird flu” everywhere right now. The current outbreak has been a trending topic across news outlets. Bird flu (H5N1) is a strain of influenza virus that mainly affects birds. However, humans can be infected in a variety of ways, including through close contact with infected cattle or birds and from contaminated surfaces.
Is it possible to get infected from eggs, chicken or even milk and dairy products? Should we be avoiding dairy and poultry altogether during the outbreak? Here, we’re breaking down what to know so you can stay safe and lower your infection risk.
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Can You Get Bird Flu from Eating Eggs?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, it is safe to eat eggs, even during this outbreak. The probability of eggs being affected by bird flu is low, especially if purchasing them in the retail market. This is because proper packaging and storage procedures significantly decrease the risk of contamination.
Plus, cooking your eggs to the proper temperature will also prevent risk of bird flu and other foodborne illnesses, including Salmonella infection. If cooking raw eggs on the stove, the FDA suggests a safe cooking temperature of 145°F.
Can You Get Bird Flu from Eating Chicken?
Chicken and eggs are both generally safe to eat as per usual. Proper food handling and safety procedures should be followed every time you cook—by keeping your hands and your kitchen area clean, you can help prevent the spread of any pathogens that raw meat or poultry products may carry.
While you shouldn’t wash your chicken before you cook it, making sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F is the best preventive measure against any food poisoning or illness. Invest in one of our test kitchen-approved meat thermometers for the safest approach.
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Is It Safe to Drink Milk or Eat Dairy Products During the Bird Flu Outbreak?
Eggs and chicken are commonly cooked before enjoying them, but what about milk, cheese, yogurt or other products that come from cattle that may be infected with bird flu? With the current outbreak impacting livestock and dairy cattle, this may be top of mind for you.
There is limited information on whether or not humans can contract avian influenza from raw milk. Raw milk is unpasteurized and is generally unsafe to drink due to the lack of pasteurization, a process that kills the risk of foodborne illness. Drinking pasteurized milk and eating pasteurized dairy products is entirely safe for this reason, even during this outbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the current outbreak start?
On April 1, a U.S. citizen based in Texas tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, according to the CDC. The person affected had direct contact with dairy cattle that are presumed to be infected with the disease. However, this instance has been contained, as it is rare for bird flu to spread between humans from close contact.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
The symptoms of bird flu most commonly range from asymptomatic to mild illness. The mild illness symptoms include eye redness, cough and sore throat. In more severe cases, fever, muscle or body aches, fatigue or shortness of breath may occur. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe you may be infected, talk to your health care provider immediately.
Should you worry about the future spread of bird flu?
More research is needed, but as of right now, you can remain calm. “We need to know a lot more about how bird flu is transmitted to humans—so far, not easily,” molecular biologist and public health advocate Marion Nestle tells EatingWell. “But preventive measures are always the same: wash your hands, well and often!”
The Bottom Line
It is safe to eat eggs, chicken and dairy products like milk and cheese, even during the current bird flu outbreak. As long as you’re buying pasteurized dairy products and implementing proper cleaning practices in your kitchen, you can effectively prevent the spread of foodborne illness in your home. Be sure to follow the FDA’s food safety guidelines to keep you, your family and your friends protected from sickness.
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