Bird flu spreads in the US: Is it safe to eat eggs?

The United States is facing an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza that has spread to cows and other animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to respond to the public health challenges posed by the outbreak.

According to a statement from the health agency, they are collaborating with partners such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) and state public health and animal health officials to address this infectious disease.

In early April, a dairy worker in Texas tested positive for bird flu after being exposed to an infected cow. This is the first time that this strain of bird flu, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), has been detected in livestock. It is also the first documented transmission of an avian influenza virus from cow to human, according to the CDC.

This recent case is only the second case of avian flu in a human being reported in the United States. In addition to animals, the bird flu virus has also been detected in raw milk. In this case, authorities say the current risk to the public is low. What about the eggs? Are they safe to consume?

READ ALSO: The Senate is expected to vote on a potential TikTok ban this week

Is it safe to eat eggs amid the bird flu outbreak?

According to the FDA, it is safe, since the probability that eggs from infected poultry will be found in the retail market is low. Proper storage and preparation further reduces any risk.

According to a 2010 study between the FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), after examining the human health impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry, shell eggs, and egg products, it was determined that the risk of humans becoming infected through consumption of contaminated eggs is low.

When a case of bird flu is detected in the United States, the likelihood of infected birds or eggs entering the food chain is low due to the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry, as well as as well as the measures implemented, according to the FDA.

READ ALSO: FTC bans non-compete agreements

What is bird flu and how is it transmitted?

Bird flu is the disease caused by infection with the avian influenza (flu) virus type A. According to the CDC, these avian influenza viruses occur naturally among wild waterfowl throughout the world and can infect domestic poultry, other birds and other animal species.

Although infection in a human is rare, avian influenza viruses can be transmitted from infected birds to humans in several ways, according to the CDC: directly from infected birds or from environments contaminated with the viruses through an intermediate host organism, such as another animal.

Infections in humans can occur when there is enough of the virus that enters a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or when a person breathes it in. People who have prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or places contaminated by their mucous membranes, saliva or feces could be at greater risk of infection.

For more details about bird flu, go to the official website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.