A truck carrying chickens passes through the Main Street business district in Lula, Ga., in Hall County, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images / Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
You may have noticed an uptick in the news about the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu. It may be one reason some products, like eggs, are harder to find or more expensive than normal.
Unless you work in agriculture, your chances of exposure to bird flu are low, but here are a few ways to stay safe.
Is it still safe to eat eggs and chicken?
Yes. It’s safe to continue eating properly cooked chicken and pasteurized milk and eggs.
In a press release, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said that all poultry products for sale in the state are safe. “Georgia and USDA have rigorous meat inspection standards to ensure the safety of our food supply, and no infected birds have entered the food supply chain.”
Your risk of contracting bird flu is low unless you have prolonged exposure with live poultry, livestock or wild birds but there are still ways to safe. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
It’s always smart to pay close attention to food recalls, which can also help prevent the spread of food-borne pathogens like salmonella or listeria.
Why is my grocery store out of eggs?
The U.S. is currently experiencing a nationwide egg shortage. Millions of hens have died as a result of bird flu in the past few months, which has affected the supply of eggs. It may also be a big factor in the rising cost of eggs.
The disease was detected in Georgia among broiler chickens, not hens that lay eggs. However, considering Georgia is the nation’s top state for commercial poultry production, we may also soon see the effects of this in the chicken aisle.
An empty egg display case at Publix in the Summerhill neighborhood of Atlanta, on Sunday, January 19, 2025. (Courtesy of Jessica Sanders)
The current suspension of activities in Georgia applies to poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and flea markets or auction sales involving live birds. It does not apply to the retail sale of poultry products.
I have a chicken coop in my backyard — am I at risk?
Most cases of humans contracting bird flu have been caused by exposure while working in commercial agriculture or farms. However, there have been instances of exposure through backyard flocks or wild birds.
The CDC has many helpful tips and guides to protecting yourself, your family and pets from this type of exposure. Wearing and removing PPE properly while working with backyard flocks is one of the best ways to stay safe.
Call the Georgia Avian Influenza Hotline at (770) 766-6850 if you suspect your birds are sick.
Can I get bird flu from my bird feeder or bird bath?
According to the USDA, there’s no need to take down that cool bird feeder you got for Christmas unless you also care for poultry. But it’s probably a good idea to make sure the area is as clean as possible and to always wash your hands thoroughly any time you come into contact with products or areas used by birds.
How can I keep my pets safe?
Both cats and dogs are susceptible to bird flu, though cats seem at a higher risk. Many cats who contracted bird flu contracted it from drinking raw milk or eating raw meat. Try to limit your pet’s unsupervised outside time to mitigate the risk of it hunting birds or mice.
Do you have any questions surrounding bird flu? Send an email to [email protected].
