Buying Eggs During the Bird Flu Outbreak? Here’s What You Should Know

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The main topic is the bird flu outbreak and its impact on egg prices and availability. They mention the H5N1 avian flu affecting millions of birds and leading to a decrease in egg production. The user also highlights the low risk to humans but provides safety precautions for handling eggs.

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### The Ongoing Bird Flu Outbreak and Its Impact on Egg Prices

The current bird flu outbreak, caused by the H5N1 avian influenza virus, has had a significant impact on the egg industry in the United States. Over the past 30 days, the virus has been detected in 107 flocks across 18 states, affecting nearly 18 million birds. Since the outbreak began in 2022, over 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been slaughtered to prevent the spread of the virus. This has led to a nationwide shortage of eggs, causing prices to surge. As of December, the average price for a dozen eggs has reached $4.15, double the price from the summer of 2023. Federal agricultural officials predict that egg prices could rise by another 20% in 2025, further straining consumers.

The increase in egg prices is largely due to the drastic measures poultry farmers must take to contain the outbreak. Even if only a few birds in a flock are infected, the entire flock must be slaughtered to prevent further spread. This process, followed by the time it takes to remove carcasses and introduce a new flock, significantly reduces egg production. The U.S. is home to nearly 380 million egg-laying chickens and over 9 billion broiler chickens, but the ongoing outbreak has disrupted the supply chain, leading to the current shortage.

### bird flu outbreak

Despite the widespread impact on animals, the risk of bird flu transmission to humans remains low. Since March 2024, there have been only 67 confirmed cases of avian flu in humans in the U.S., resulting in just one death. Experts emphasize that properly handled, stored, and cooked eggs do not pose a risk of avian influenza infection. Timothy Brewer, MD, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, notes, “There is no evidence to suggest that properly handled, stored, and cooked eggs can lead to avian influenza infections in people.”

However, the outbreak has still raised concerns among consumers, particularly as egg prices continue to rise and availability remains limited. The FDA and other health experts have issued guidelines to help consumers safely purchase, store, and cook eggs during this time. These precautions aim to minimize the risk of foodborne illness while reassuring the public that eggs remain a safe and nutritious part of their diet.

### Consumer Safety: How to Buy, Store, and Cook Eggs Safely

To ensure safety when buying and consuming eggs, the FDA recommends several precautions. Consumers should only purchase eggs that have been refrigerated and store them in a clean refrigerator at home. Eggs should be used within three weeks of purchase, and dishes containing eggs, such as casseroles, should be refrigerated and consumed within three to four days. Additionally, experts advise avoiding cracked eggs or those past their expiration date, as these may pose a higher risk of contamination.

When it comes to cooking eggs, thorough preparation is key. Hands, utensils, equipment, and work surfaces should be washed with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw egg products. Eggs should be cooked until the yolk and white are firm, scrambled eggs should be fluffy and not runny, and casseroles containing eggs should be heated to an internal temperature of 160°F. Cooked eggs should be served immediately and not left out for more than two hours. When transporting egg dishes, such as to a picnic or another location, they should be packed in an insulated cooler. Leftover egg products should be reheated to 165°F before consumption.

Pasteurized eggs are considered safer because the pasteurization process kills viruses and bacteria, including avian influenza. However, even non-pasteurized eggs can be safely consumed if cooked thoroughly. Experts like William Schaffner, MD, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, assure consumers that all types of eggs—whether white, brown, organic, or pasteurized—are safe when handled and cooked properly.

### Coping with the Egg Shortage and Price Increases

The bird flu outbreak has left many consumers struggling to afford eggs, a staple in many households. While prices are expected to remain high in the coming months, there are steps consumers can take to cope with the shortage. Purchasing eggs in bulk when they are available, using egg substitutes in recipes, and exploring alternative protein sources are just a few strategies to make do during this time. Additionally, supporting local farmers or backyard flocks that have not been affected by the outbreak can be a way to access fresh, affordable eggs.

### The Broader Impact of the Bird Flu Outbreak

The bird flu outbreak has not only affected egg production but has also raised concerns about the safety of other animal products. While avian flu has been detected in dairy cows in the past, pasteurized milk remains safe to drink because the heating process kills the virus. However, raw milk products may pose a risk. The virus has not been detected in chicken or beef products intended for human consumption, but experts still recommend cooking meat thoroughly to eliminate any potential traces of the virus.

For now, the bird flu outbreak continues to spread across the U.S., with new cases reported regularly. However, the risk of human infection remains low, and with proper precautions, consumers can continue to enjoy eggs safely. As the situation evolves, staying informed and following expert guidelines will be key to navigating this challenging time.

### Conclusion: Staying Informed and Taking Precautions

The ongoing bird flu outbreak has presented significant challenges for the egg industry, leading to price increases and shortages across the U.S. However, experts reassure consumers that the risk of contracting the virus from eggs is low when proper safety measures are taken. By choosing refrigerated eggs, storing them correctly, and cooking them thoroughly, consumers can enjoy eggs safely while supporting the poultry industry during this difficult period. As the situation continues to unfold, staying informed and adhering to guidelines from health officials will help ensure the well-being of both people and animals.