Can I Catch Bird Flu From Eggs or Milk?” A California Expert Explains
With bird flu outbreaks affecting poultry farms and dairies across California, many are questioning the safety of their food.
Since highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) appeared in the U.S. in January 2022, it has been found in both wild birds and domestic poultry, as reported by the CDC.
Recent Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
In September, HPAI was detected at a Merced County turkey farm, followed by an outbreak at a Tulare County chicken ranch a month later, resulting in the culling of hundreds of thousands of birds, according to The Fresno Bee.
Additionally, avian flu has impacted over 130 dairies across California, infecting cows and 15 dairy workers.
The Bee consulted a Fresno-based infectious disease expert to understand the virus’s impact on food safety.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu (H5N1), is a highly contagious and often fatal disease primarily affecting poultry.
According to the agency, it’s caused by avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses and can spread from wild birds to domestic poultry and other animals. Though rare, it can also infect humans.
The FDA clarifies that “highly pathogenic” describes the virus’s severe effects on birds, not necessarily on humans.
Transmission Differences Between Avian Influenza and Seasonal Flu
Unlike seasonal flu, which spreads primarily through human-to-human contact, avian influenza viruses are transmitted by infected birds via saliva, mucus, and feces, according to the CDC.
The virus may also be found in respiratory secretions, organs, blood, or fluids of other infected animals, including milk.
Humans can become infected if the virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth, or if airborne droplets, aerosol particles, or dust are inhaled. Transmission can also occur by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
“Human illness from avian influenza infections has ranged from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease, sometimes resulting in death,” the CDC reports.
“There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states.
According to Hebah Ghanem, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF Fresno, pasteurized milk and other dairy products are safe to consume.
“The key is pasteurization, as the virus is destroyed by heat,” Ghanem told The Bee.
The FDA notes that “milk pasteurization was introduced decades ago as a fundamental public health measure to eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of illness.”
All egg products must be pasteurized, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This process involves quickly heating the eggs to a specific temperature for a set time to eliminate bacteria,” the agency explained.
However, eggs sold in their shells do not have to be pasteurized, posing potential health risks if consumed raw or undercooked.
Ghanem states that properly cooked chicken is safe to eat.
Low Risk of Foodborne Avian Influenza During Outbreaks
The FDA notes that during avian flu outbreaks, the risk of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is low due to rapid symptom onset in birds and safeguards like flock testing and federal inspections. Proper food preparation and storage further reduce HPAI infection risk for consumers.
“There have been no human-to-human transmission cases during the recent bird flu outbreak,” Ghanem said, noting that transmission occurs from animals to humans.
Individuals typically get infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, which is why most cases involve those working with animals.
The CDC highlighted the importance of monitoring for human infections and potential transmission between people due to the risk of bird flu viruses mutating and spreading easily among humans.
California dairy workers infected with avian flu have only shown mild flu-like symptoms, according to The Bee.
“All cases in California have been very mild,” Ghanem said, noting that none required hospitalization.
The CDC states that symptoms of avian flu in humans may include:
- Fever or chills
- Red or irritated eyes
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
If you are exposed to the avian flu virus, Ghanem recommends the following steps:
- Monitor yourself for any symptoms.
- Inform the CDC to arrange for testing.
- Isolate yourself in case you have contracted the virus.
- Begin treatment if you test positive for HPAI or develop symptoms.
According to the CDC, doctors can test for bird flu by taking a swab from the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat) of the individual. “Testing is more accurate when the swab is collected in the first few days of illness.”
Avian flu is treated with antiviral medications like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza), as stated by the CDC.
“Antiviral treatment is most effective when started as soon as symptoms appear,” the CDC noted.
To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, Ghanem recommends avoiding contact with dead animals, including wild and domesticated birds and cows, as well as steering clear of animal feces and fluids.
Additional tips include:
- Wash your hands
- Avoid contaminated surfaces and materials from infected animals
- Do not drink raw milk
- Eat pasteurized cheese
- Monitor yourself for symptoms
She also suggests getting vaccinated against influenza
While the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H5N1 bird flu, the CDC advises that those frequently exposed to potentially infected birds or animals should get vaccinated—ideally two weeks before exposure. This can help reduce the severity of seasonal flu and lower the rare risk of co-infection with both human and avian viruses.
Read the original article on: Medical X Press
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