Bird Flu Outbreak: What You Need to Know
The Situation
An ongoing bird flu outbreak has infected millions of wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks in the U.S. since January 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus has also spread to dairy cows, with almost 1,000 herds affected in 16 states since then.
Human Cases
There have been 67 confirmed cases and one death in the U.S. since 2024, per the CDC. In most cases, the person’s exposure was from an infected animal. There are no confirmed instances of bird flu spreading from person to person.
Egg Safety
There is currently no evidence anyone in the U.S. with bird flu was infected after eating cooked poultry products. However, uncooked poultry products may have been the source of a small number of cases in Southeast Asia, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The CDC says if eggs are cooked properly, they are safe to eat. This means cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu.
Other Poultry and Beef
The CDC recommends cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and whole cuts of beef to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, then rest for 3 minutes. Keep raw poultry and beef separate from other cooked and uncooked foods.
Raw Milk and Dairy Products
The CDC says it’s unknown at this point whether drinking raw milk from infected cows or related products can cause bird flu in humans. However, public health authorities recommend only consuming pasteurized dairy products, as pasteurizing kills both bacteria and viruses. Raw milk and anything made with it may be contaminated with germs that can cause serious disease.
Other Bird Flu Safety Tips
- Get your flu shot. Although the flu vaccine doesn’t protect against avian flu, it reduces the likelihood of getting infected with influenza and bird flu simultaneously.
- Avoid touching birds or other animals that may be infected.
- Take proper cautions with backyard flocks, such as separating pets from livestock, not putting birds near your face, and washing your hands after any contact.
- Do not touch sick or dead birds without proper protective equipment.
- Change clothes and footwear, and shower after working with birds or dairy cows.
- Wash your hands after touching animals and before eating or drinking. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Conclusion
The current risk to the general public from bird flu is low, although some people are at higher risk, such as farmworkers, wildlife and slaughterhouse workers, veterinary staff, and those with backyard flocks. By taking proper precautions and following the guidelines outlined above, you can minimize your risk of contracting bird flu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to eat eggs during the bird flu outbreak?
A: Yes, if eggs are cooked properly, they are safe to eat. Cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu.
Q: Are chicken and beef safe to eat during the bird flu outbreak?
A: Yes, if cooked properly, chicken and beef are safe to eat. Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and ground beef to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and whole cuts of beef to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, then rest for 3 minutes, kills bacteria and viruses.
Q: Can I get bird flu from drinking raw milk?
A: It’s unknown at this point whether drinking raw milk from infected cows or related products can cause bird flu in humans. However, public health authorities recommend only consuming pasteurized dairy products.
Q: How can I minimize my risk of contracting bird flu?
A: You can minimize your risk of contracting bird flu by getting your flu shot, avoiding touching birds or other animals that may be infected, taking proper cautions with backyard flocks, and washing your hands after touching animals and before eating or drinking.
