Are you having eggs during the Bird Flu outbreak? Know all about the safety concerns

Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, as well as important nutrients like choline, vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, selenium, and minerals like zinc and iron. Eggs provide protein, fat, and important vitamins while being relatively low in calories. Eating eggs as part of an overall nutrient-rich eating plan can support your overall health, including your cardiovascular system and eyes.
In fact, eggs are considered a superfood because they are such a rich source of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and because they are also versatile and can be prepared in many ways.
However, the Bird Flu outbreak across the country has raised some very valid concerns over consuming eggs nowadays.

The National Institutes of Health reports that avian influenza A virus, or bird flu, is now widespread in wild birds all over the world. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also states that over 18 million birds have contracted the virus in this country.
Over the last 30 days, the H5N1 avian flu has been confirmed in 107 flocks (66 commercial and 41 backyard) in 18 states and has affected nearly 18 million birds.
Since the outbreak began in 2022, 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been slaughtered to keep the virus from spreading. It should be noted that there are nearly 380 million egg-laying chickens and more than 9 billion broiler chickens in the U.S.


Despite the spread of bird flu in animals, experts say the risk of humans contracting the illness remains low. Since March 2024, there have been 67 confirmed cases of avian flu in humans and only one associated death in the U.S.
In fact, this has directly affected the price of eggs as well, as they hiked 8.4% from November to December 2024 alone, per the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. The latest figures from December show that the average price for a dozen eggs in the United States has hit $4.15. That isn’t as high as the record price of $4.82 per dozen set two years ago, but it is still double the price from summer 2023. In addition, federal agricultural officials expect the cost of eggs to rise another 20% in 2025. Despite that high a price, the outbreak also has sent the price of eggs skyrocketing, leading to a nationwide egg shortage.
However, if you’re in two minds about consuming eggs at this time - before you panic, please give this article a read.
Timothy Brewer, MD, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California Los Angeles, told Healthline, “There is no evidence to suggest that properly handled, stored, and cooked eggs can lead to avian influenza infections in people.”
While H5N1 avian influenza has been circulating nationwide for three years and infected several dozen people in 2024, no person-to-person spread has been detected and the current public health risk remains low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


When it comes to eggs, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials say that there are simple safety precautions you can take to lower the risk of illnesses, such as choosing pasteurized eggs. To safely eat eggs during a bird flu outbreak, you should cook them thoroughly and practice safe handling.
Cooking: Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm, ideally to an internal temperature of 160–165°F. Cook casseroles and other egg dishes to 165°F if they contain meat or poultry. Use a food thermometer to ensure your eggs are cooked to the right temperature.
Handling: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs. Separate raw eggs from cooked foods and serve cooked eggs immediately. Don't leave egg dishes out for more than 2 hours. Always remember to reheat leftover egg products to 165°F. Use an insulated cooler to transport eggs and egg products.
Other precautions Consider using pasteurized eggs, Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs, and Avoid runny eggs.
When purchasing and storing eggs, the FDA urges consumers to:
Only buy eggs that have been refrigerated.
Store eggs at home in a clean refrigerator.
Use eggs within 3 weeks of purchase.
Refrigerate eggs dishes such as casseroles and consume within 3 or 4 days.