Bird flu is spreading to more farm animals. Are milk and eggs safe?

After the nation’s largest egg producer discovered the virus in its chickens, a bird flu outbreak expanded. It now affects over two dozen herds in eight states. Health officials stress that the risk to the public is low and that the U.S. food supply remains safe and stable.

“At this time, there continues to be no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the interstate commercial milk supply,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.

As of Friday, the strain of bird flu that has killed millions of wild birds in recent years has been found in at least 26 dairy herds in eight U.S. states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and South Dakota. Type A H5N1, previously detected in various mammals, is now found in cattle. This marks its first appearance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that genetic analysis indicates no increased spread in humans.

Given the growing spread of bird flu among farm animals, consumers naturally worry about the safety of milk and eggs. Although no evidence suggests consuming these products directly endangers human health, precautions remain necessary. Consumers should ensure eggs are thoroughly cooked and milk pasteurized to minimize contamination risk. Additionally, practicing proper food safety measures is essential.
read more
image source