Bird flu has been a looming threat recently, and public health officials are reporting more and more cases. H5N1 has impacted birds, livestock, and humans alike across multiple continents. The first fatal human case of bird flu was reported in Louisiana recently, but health experts believe that public health risks still remain low. All the same, consumers are concerned about bird flu and how it can affect our food.
Understanding the Bird Flu
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is not a new disease. Mainly affecting birds, it reached North America in 2021 and has spread to commercial poultry operations in every state. More recently, H5N1 has made its way into dairy cattle farms across 16 states as well. The virus can spread so aggressively because migrating birds do not care about state borders. These birds stop near other birds for food or water and can exposing domestic and wild flocks. Poultry that get infected typically die in a matter of days, which has now resulted in over 150 million domestic birds dying in the U.S. alone. This impact on commercial operations has created serious supply chain pressures and shortages, causing egg and poultry prices to rise. Bird flu has also been found in skunks, foxes, cats, and raccoons, indicating a new adaptability to other species we haven’t seen before.
How Bird Flu Impacts Our Food Supply
SO far, bird flu has actually had a limited impact on food safety. The likelihood of H5N1 being transmitted through poultry products is extremely low. Firstly, infected birds are pretty quick to show symptoms and be taken out by the virus, which means there is a very narrow window for eggs to be laid before developing fatal symptoms. There are also safeguards in place across the commercial food chain to ensure any and all food products that could even potentially be contaminated never leave the farm.
When a commercial farm tests positive for bird flu, the entire facility is placed under quarantine and all movement of eggs and birds stops. Farmers are not permitted to resume operations without a thorough cleaning, disinfecting, testing process, followed by approval from regulatory authorities. For milk, things are a little bit easier to deal with. Infected cattle milk may contain the virus still, but the pasteurization process effectively kills it.
Safe Consumption of Eggs and Poultry
There is good news – you can keep eating your eggs and poultry as long as you properly handle and cook it. Health experts state there is no evidence that food will transmit bird flu into humans as long as it’s handled and prepared correctly. David Topham, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology and influenza expert with the University of Rochester Medical Center explains, “These viruses are not that hardy. As long as things are cooked, you’re fine.” The CDC recommends cooking your poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F, as it will kill any bad bacteria and viruses – including bird flu.
This has particular implications for egg consumption. Soft, runny, or undercooked eggs don’t reach high enough temperatures to eliminate potential pathogens. The safest approach is to cook eggs until both white and yolk are firm. If you prefer runny eggs, consider using pasteurized shell eggs that reduce transmission risk. Similarly, recipes that don’t fully cook eggs, such as homemade ice cream or certain salad dressings, should use pasteurized egg products. Beyond cooking, avoid unpasteurized milk and products made from raw milk, as pasteurization inactivates influenza viruses along with other infectious agents.
While bird flu continues to affect wild birds and commercial livestock, the risk to the average consumer remains low. Federal agencies including the USDA, FDA, and CDC are continuously monitoring the situation and implementing protective measures. These include rigorous testing protocols, inspection programs, and quarantine procedures that prevent potentially contaminated products from reaching store shelves. By following basic food safety guidelines—thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, avoiding raw milk products, and practicing good hygiene when handling food—consumers can further minimize any potential risk. Although bird flu is a serious animal health concern with implications for our food supply chain, proper food safety practices ensure that eggs and poultry remain safe components of a healthy diet.
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