The Bird Flu – Should Parents Be Concerned About Their Family Eating Chicken and Eggs?
Eggs are flying off the shelves of grocery stores across the country. The bird flu, also known as the avian influenza, is wreaking havoc on many poultry products families depend on to nourish their bodies. It is also being spread to cows. But what is it, and should families be concerned about it making their loved ones sick? Find out in this blog post.
What is the Bird Flu?
The bird flu is a virus most commonly spread by wild birds – such as geese and ducks. The CDC reports that it can be spread through mucus, feces, and saliva. The most common way the virus is spreading is when sick birds fly overhead, and their droppings (feces) can land in family coops, poultry farms, and other farms, spreading to livestock. While considered rare, it can also be spread to humans by inhaling droplets in the air. Reported human cases of bird flu are few. The CDC reported 67 known cases of the bird flu in 2024.
Can you get the Bird Flu from Eating Chicken or Eggs?
The biggest concern our Rainbow families have shared is whether or not they should stop eating poultry and eggs while the bird flu is going around. The virus cannot be spread to humans if the food item is safely and correctly prepared.
That said, touching contaminated eggshells can cause food-borne illnesses like salmonella and e-Coli. Store-bought eggs are cleaned before being packaged but can still contain bacteria. This is why it is essential to disinfect kitchen utensils and countertops after preparing food. If you crack your eggshells on the countertop, as we do, disinfect your countertops and thoroughly wash your hands immediately after touching the eggshells to prevent contamination.
If you raise chickens, the CDC warns you to clean eggs once they are no longer warm to remove germs with fine sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth. Again, we cannot emphasize the importance of washing your hands and countertops after preparing food.
And please do not consume raw eggs – that means not letting the kids lick the cake batter off the spoon.
Chicken products are considered safe when cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit because, at this temperature, any bacteria or viruses are killed.
What About Milk and Cheese? Should I be Concerned?
The bird flu is impacting dairy cattle. The CDC recommends only consuming pasteurized dairy products as the process kills the germs that can cause illness.
Can the Flu Vaccine Prevent the Bird Flu?
A great question we get at Rainbow is whether or not this year’s flu vaccine protects against the bird flu. It does not, as it protects against the three flu strains most commonly circulating in humans. While the bird flu is widespread among birds, it is not among humans. Therefore, proper food safety measures and thoroughly washing hands (your kiddos, too) are critical to preventing food-borne illnesses.
Please call us if you have questions about this topic. We’re here to help keep your family safe and healthy!
