United States: Amidst the occurrence of bird flu outbreak across the United States and the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming the existence of the H5N1 bird flu strain in untreated milk, apprehensions have heightened regarding the consumption of milk, poultry, and eggs.
Surrounded by the recent passing of the Covid-19, whose negative effects almost affected the entire world population, now they have to fight against another pandemic, such as the avian influenza which affects humans. While the influenza virus of birds may be passed to humans through a direct contact with infected birds or bird droppings and/or excreta no notes of human to human transmission have so far been reported in the media.
A resident of Texas became positive for an avian influenza test just after the second case of H5N1 influenza bird in the United States. The other case happened in Colorado in 2022, where a poultry industry employee was found to be positive. The bovine source H5N1 bird flu contracted by a human person stands as the first universal case by bovines and blacks as a consequence of a single incidence.
This was the time when the virus which had been menacing the world since 1996 saw a phenomenal increase in cases among the wild bird and terrestrial mammal species, and caused serious culling during which poultry death rates hit an all-time high and other birds and mammals suffered from disease.
The most recent outbreak has truly become the disease affecting pretty much both bovine and caprine animals. According to Wenqing Zhang, a large human influenza avian program at the World Health Organization, this Texas event is an animal-to-human swap; simply everything is new here.
Whether a person can trust in egg and milk safety remains a problem since the H5N1 diarrhea virus is common in these animals. Here’s the expert consensus:
“Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, primarily spreads through direct contact with contaminated birds or their excrement. Typically, consumption of properly cooked eggs or pasteurized milk does not pose a transmission risk. Adequate cooking temperature eradicates the virus, rendering poultry products safe for consumption. However, adhering to proper hygiene practices and ensuring thorough cooking and handling of poultry products is imperative to mitigate any potential infection risk. This includes meticulous handwashing following the handling of raw poultry and prevention of cross-contamination with other food items,” articulated Dr Rahul Agarwal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at CARE Hospitals Hitech City.
“In light of recent bird flu outbreaks, there is apprehension regarding the potential transmission risk associated with everyday food staples such as milk and eggs. Fortunately, the likelihood of contracting bird flu, or avian influenza, through these ubiquitous breakfast items is exceedingly low. Bird flu primarily spreads among avian species through salivary secretions, fecal matter, and respiratory discharges,” elucidated Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases.
Can individuals contract infections from eggs and milk? While isolated cases of human infections have been documented, they typically involve close contact with infected avian species. Hence, can eggs or milk serve as potential carriers of the virus?
“Eggs undergo stringent regulatory measures and adhere to strict hygiene protocols during production and packaging, substantially minimizing the risk of contamination. Proper cooking is paramount—avoid dishes featuring undercooked eggs or runny yolks. Additionally, meticulous hand hygiene is essential post-handling,” advised Dr Panda.
“The safety of milk hinges on pasteurization, a heat treatment process that annihilates viruses, including bird flu. Virtually all commercially available milk undergoes this rigorous process, rendering it safe for consumption. Conversely, raw milk presents a different scenario. While limited data exists on bird flu transmission via raw milk, it is generally discouraged owing to the risk of other foodborne illnesses,” added the expert.
For those apprehensive about bird flu and its potential impact on their diet, prioritizing safe handling practices is paramount. Thoroughly cook eggs and opt for pasteurized dairy products. Staying abreast of the outbreak via reputable sources such as the CDC or national health agencies is also advisable.
“Remember, the risk of contracting bird flu from eggs and milk remains exceedingly low. By adhering to basic hygiene and food safety protocols, individuals can continue to relish these breakfast staples without undue concern,” concluded Dr Panda.