Eggs are seen in a nesting box at an egg farm in Mason, Mich., on March 3. The price of eggs has reached a record high of over $8 per dozen due to the severe outbreak of avian flu in the US, contributing to overall inflation pressures. The soaring egg prices have brought renewed attention to the bird flu outbreak, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 166 million wild and domestic birds in the U.S. since it began in 2022. While the health risk to the general population remains low, the outbreak has proven challenging to researchers as the federal government struggles to control it.
Andrew Bowman, an expert on influenza at Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, commented on the ongoing battle against the outbreak, stating that it feels different from anything seen before. Amid concerns raised by NBC News readers on social media regarding the outbreak, mitigation measures, and egg safety, here are some answers to your questions:
– Is it safe to buy and consume chicken, eggs, and milk?
Yes, purchasing and consuming poultry products is considered safe as they are closely regulated and regularly tested. Additionally, cooking effectively eliminates the virus. According to Bowman, poultry products from grocery stores are safe for consumption due to testing and safe food handling practices. The Food and Drug Administration advises cooking eggs until both the yolk and white are thoroughly cooked. While backyard flocks in contact with migrating waterfowl may pose some risk, avian influenza typically impacts egg production and leads to the death of infected birds. In terms of milk, pasteurization eliminates the virus, ensuring commercially produced milk is safe. However, raw milk carries a higher risk as the virus can replicate in cows’ mammary glands.
– How does bird flu spread on farms?
Avian influenza, or H5N1, is a highly contagious and deadly respiratory virus for birds. Infected animals rapidly replicate and spread the virus through airborne particles, feces, saliva droplets, and nasal secretions. Recent studies suggest that the virus can even be transmitted between farms via wind-carried droplets. On dairy farms, infected cows shed the virus through their mammary glands, potentially infecting others through milk and during milking. Studies have shown that farm cats can contract the virus through drinking raw milk.
– Is culling infected birds the only way to stop bird flu?
When a bird flu outbreak is detected, federal policy mandates the culling of all infected birds to prevent further spread of the virus. With limited options once the virus infiltrates a farm or backyard coop, the eradication of infected birds is necessary as surviving birds could continue to spread the virus. Most infected birds are expected to die regardless of intervention measures.
However, what is the true cost of these measures? Each bird must be seen as a potential carrier and amplifier of the virus. The United States is also focusing on improving biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of bird flu to farms. Stringent measures require workers to shower before and after entering work sites, regularly sanitize barns, prevent wildlife intrusion, wash vehicles, and more.
While these strategies are beneficial, maintaining strict biosecurity can be challenging. Just as it’s difficult to ensure your kids clean their room every day, any lapse in biosecurity could lead to the virus infiltrating the farm, as explained by Bowman. Unlike birds, cows can recover from a bird flu infection without needing to be culled.
The impact of bird flu culling varies between egg-laying hens and chickens raised for meat. Egg farms have borne the brunt of the culling, with approximately 23 million birds culled in the U.S. in January. Of these, around 18.8 million were egg-layers, while only 2.2 million were broilers.
John Cranfield, an agricultural economist at the University of Guelph, points out the differences between layers and broilers in terms of genetics and lifespan. Egg production is more susceptible to the virus due to the longer life cycle required for egg-laying.
The prices of eggs and chicken have surged since January 2020, with a carton of eggs now averaging $4.95 and a pound of chicken breast at $3.97. Eggs, being a dietary staple, are harder to substitute, resulting in consistent demand despite price fluctuations.
Culling methods for affected birds vary based on farm setup, species, and bird count. Mass-culling options include using foam to suffocate birds, increasing CO2 levels rapidly, or controversially shutting down ventilation. The CO2 method is considered more humane by Washington state.
Disposing of bird carcasses depends on the scale of the operation. Smaller farms typically incinerate carcasses, while larger commercial flocks are composted with added heat, nitrogen, water, and microorganisms. Itle emphasizes the toll culling takes on farm workers and responders, despite being essential for animal health protection.
Composting is highlighted as a sustainable method for managing infected carcasses, with strict temperature monitoring to ensure the virus is neutralized. Itle praises composting as an environmentally friendly solution that produces nutrient-rich material.
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“Many bird species have been inactivated due to avian influenza. The virus has been detected in over 12,000 wild birds across 170 species by the USDA. Outbreaks in poultry farms are often linked to the migration patterns of wild birds, leading to contamination through equipment, feed, and direct contact.
Experts do not consider crop contamination a significant concern compared to other foodborne diseases like shigella, E.coli, and listeria. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of bird flu, but researchers believe it could happen if the virus undergoes genetic mutations.
While the risk of a human pandemic caused by bird flu is a long-standing concern due to its novelty to human immune systems, there are currently two stockpiled vaccines for humans awaiting FDA approval. Additionally, mRNA technology is being explored for new vaccines, although funding for this research has been uncertain.
Chickens can be vaccinated against bird flu, as seen in countries like France, but the USDA has not approved such a strategy in the U.S. due to complications with export regulations. Despite the efficacy of vaccines, implementing a vaccination plan for chickens would require significant changes to testing protocols and negotiations with trade partners.
The Trump administration has allocated $100 million for the development of poultry vaccines and treatments, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins acknowledging the potential of vaccination but stressing the need for further research before widespread adoption.”
In order to safeguard our poultry supply, it is crucial that we thoroughly understand the steps involved before introducing any new measures. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed the media outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 14. Researchers are currently conducting trials for vaccines for cows as well. Has President Trump made any announcements regarding aid for farmers? Will they receive assistance? The USDA already offers compensation to poultry farmers affected by bird flu outbreaks to encourage prompt reporting. “When birds are euthanized, we compensate farmers for every surviving bird that needs to be depopulated,” stated Itle. Up to November 2024, the government has paid approximately $1.25 billion in indemnity and compensation, with varying payments for different types of chickens. Additional funds are allocated for the expenses associated with culling animals, disposing of carcasses, and disinfecting farms post-outbreak. The USDA recently revealed a $1 billion plan to combat bird flu, with $400 million aimed at expediting the cleaning and repopulation of farms, a process that typically takes six months. The timeline for a decrease in egg prices remains uncertain, contingent on how swiftly authorities can control the outbreak. Even after containment, it may take a minimum of a couple of months before any relief is observed. Efforts by the USDA to assist egg producers in recovering more swiftly post-infection may offer some respite. Amidst uncertainties surrounding tariffs potentially impacting egg prices, any additional expenses incurred by farmers, such as elevated costs for fertilizer or fuel, could influence egg prices. The USDA’s projection indicates a projected increase of over 40% in egg prices by 2025 compared to 2024. Unlike eggs, milk prices have not surged as cows can recover from bird flu, unlike poultry. Federal milk pricing policies also contribute to price stabilization. For those with pet birds, it is essential to monitor their health, limit exposure to wild birds, maintain clean enclosures, and promptly report any signs of illness. Cats may be at risk of contracting bird flu, as evidenced by cases of cats falling ill after consuming raw milk or raw cat food. The CDC has documented cases of the virus being transmitted from humans to cats.
“Wild birds and bird poop can be sources of avian flu transmission, particularly for outdoor cats at higher risk,” Chin-Hong warned. He advised against cats drinking water from bird feeders. Itle noted that dogs appear less susceptible to the virus.
As for human contact with wild birds or bird droppings, the overall risk of contracting the virus from the environment is low unless in a farm setting. The CDC has only documented a few cases with unknown sources of exposure.
Chin-Hong emphasized that the virus is not yet well-adapted to humans, likening it to trying to fit a key into the wrong lock. Those who have been infected typically have had significant exposure to high viral loads, like dairy workers. Avoid handling dead birds and ensure children wash their hands regularly as a precautionary measure against bird flu and other illnesses.
