As the bird flu outbreak continues to make headlines, many are wondering about the safety of their breakfast staples. Are eggs still safe to eat? What precautions should you take? This article dives into the latest updates on the bird flu’s spread across all 50 states and offers essential advice on how to safely purchase, store, and consume eggs during this unsettling time. Stay informed and keep your meals safe with our expert-backed guidance.

Bird Flu Risk to Humans

While the bird flu has extensively impacted poultry across the nation, the risk it poses to human health remains remarkably low. Despite the vast number of birds affected, human cases of the bird flu are rare. Since the onset of the outbreak in 2022, there have been only 67 confirmed cases in the United States, with just a single fatality reported since March 2024. This rarity is reassuring for public health. [1]

Health experts emphasize that the transmission of bird flu to humans is uncommon and typically involves direct contact with infected birds. The virus does not easily jump from poultry to people, nor does it spread through the consumption of properly cooked eggs and poultry products. 

To maintain this low risk level, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, implementing stringent controls at poultry farms and conducting ongoing surveillance of bird populations. These measures ensure that any potential risk to humans is managed proactively, keeping the public safe from wider transmission. [2]

Effect on the Industry

The bird flu outbreak has had a significant economic impact on the poultry industry, affecting egg production and pricing across the United States. With over 145 million birds culled in an effort to control the spread of the virus, the supply chain has been notably disrupted. This reduction in the number of egg-laying chickens and other poultry has led to a sharp increase in egg prices. [3]

As of December, the average price for a dozen eggs has soared to $4.15. This price point, although not reaching the record high of $4.82 seen two years ago, is still double what it was in the summer of 2023. Moreover, experts anticipate that egg prices could rise by an additional 20% into 2025. [3]

The escalation in prices is not just a temporary fluctuation but a reflection of the broader challenges the industry faces in managing disease outbreaks. Each instance of infection within a flock often requires the elimination of the entire group to prevent further spread, followed by a period of cleanup and repopulation that can take weeks or months. This process not only impacts the immediate availability of eggs but also places financial strain on farmers who must cope with the loss of stock and potential delays in production resumption.

These economic pressures are felt not just by producers but also ripple through to consumers who face higher prices at the grocery store. The ongoing situation underscores the delicate balance required to manage livestock diseases while ensuring the stability of food prices and supply.

Purchasing and Storing Eggs Safely

In light of the bird flu outbreak, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines when purchasing and storing eggs to ensure they remain safe for consumption. The first step is to only buy eggs that have been kept refrigerated. Cold storage is essential as it significantly retards the growth of any harmful pathogens that might be present.

Once you bring eggs home, they should immediately be placed in the refrigerator. Store them in their original carton to protect them from absorbing odors and flavors from other foods, and place the carton on a shelf rather than in the door to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Eggs should ideally be used within three weeks of purchase to ensure freshness and safety. For dishes prepared with eggs, such as casseroles or quiches, it’s important to consume them within three to four days. If you’re unsure about the freshness of an egg, you can perform a simple water test: place the egg in a bowl of water—if it sinks, it’s fresh; if it floats, it’s best to discard it.

Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding the purchase of cracked or visibly soiled eggs as they are more susceptible to harboring bacteria. When it comes to egg types, whether organic, free-range, or conventional, the same safety standards apply. There is no evidence to suggest that one type of egg is safer than another, provided they are handled and cooked properly. Following these simple but effective storage and handling practices can help ensure that your eggs are safe to eat, even during a bird flu outbreak. [4]

How the Food Supply Is Affected

The bird flu outbreak has significant repercussions for the food supply, particularly affecting the poultry and egg sectors. The presence of H5N1 in commercial poultry operations has necessitated stringent biosecurity measures, including the culling of infected flocks, to prevent the spread of the virus. This has led to disruptions in the availability of poultry products and eggs, contributing to increased prices and supply shortages.

Federal and state agricultural agencies, along with the poultry industry, have implemented a series of controls to mitigate the risk of H5N1 contaminating the food supply. These include rigorous testing of flocks, immediate quarantines of facilities with detected cases, and the cessation of movement of poultry and eggs from affected farms. These measures are crucial in ensuring that the virus does not enter the broader consumer market.

Despite these challenges, the food supply chain has remained robust, adapting to the fluctuations caused by the outbreak. The industry’s quick response and the implementation of comprehensive biosecurity practices have been vital in managing the situation and minimizing the impact on consumers. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works closely with egg and poultry producers to ensure that operations can resume safely after an outbreak, involving thorough cleaning and disinfection of facilities, followed by retesting to confirm the absence of the virus before production is restarted.

Overall, while the bird flu has posed challenges, the concerted efforts of government agencies and the poultry industry have helped to stabilize the food supply and ensure that the risk to consumers remains low. These ongoing efforts are critical in maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring the continued availability of poultry products and eggs in the marketplace.

My Personal RX on Staying Safe from Critical Infections

In light of the increasing concern over viral infections, including bird flu, it’s essential to adopt a proactive approach to health and safety. As a doctor, I advocate for comprehensive preventive measures that enhance the immune system and minimize the risk of contracting and transmitting viruses. This approach includes a combination of dietary supplements, strict hygiene practices, and informed lifestyle choices to safeguard against critical viral infections effectively. Here are essential strategies that focus on building a robust immune defense and maintaining overall health to prevent the spread of infections.

1. Boost Your Defenses with Immune Support: Enhancing your body’s natural defenses is crucial in protecting against infections like bird flu. Immune Support supplements, which often contain vitamins C and D, zinc, and elderberry, can help strengthen your immune system, making it more capable of warding off viruses.
2. Adopt Safe Poultry Handling Practices: If you handle birds or poultry, whether domestically or in a professional setting, ensure that you use proper protective gear such as gloves and masks. Always wash your hands with soap and water after contact with birds or their environments.
3. Cook Poultry Thoroughly: Bird flu viruses can be killed at temperatures of 165°F (73.9°C) or higher. Make sure that all poultry products, including eggs, are cooked thoroughly to these temperatures to eliminate the risk of infection.
4. Avoid Contact with Wild Birds: Since wild birds can carry the bird flu virus, it’s advisable to avoid direct contact with them. This is particularly important in areas known for outbreaks of avian influenza.
5. Support Your Gut: MindBiotic is specially formulated with probiotics, prebiotics, and Ashwagandha, which support a healthy gut microbiome—an essential component of the immune system. A balanced gut microbiome helps regulate immune responses and protect against pathogens.
6. Explore Recipes from the Healthy Gut Cookbook: This cookbook provides a range of recipes designed to boost gut health, which is directly linked to immune strength. Foods rich in fiber, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory properties can enhance gut flora and, consequently, your immune system’s ability to combat infections.
7. Educate Yourself on Symptoms and Precautions: Knowing the symptoms of bird flu and the necessary precautions can help you act quickly if you suspect exposure. Symptoms in humans can resemble those of conventional influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches.
8. Strengthen Your Respiratory Health: Practices that enhance respiratory function, such as regular exercise and avoiding smoking, can also help protect against respiratory infections, including bird flu.
9. Stay Informed About Outbreaks: Keep up-to-date with local health advisories and news about bird flu outbreaks, especially if you live in or travel to affected areas. Being informed allows you to take timely preventive measures.
10. Practice General Flu Prevention Strategies: General flu prevention measures, such as avoiding crowded places during outbreaks, regularly disinfecting surfaces, and maintaining good overall hygiene, can also help prevent the spread of bird flu.
11. Ensure Adequate Nutrition: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports overall health and immune function. Nutrients like selenium, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and E are particularly important for maintaining immune health.

Sources:

1. First H5 bird flu death reported in United States. (n.d.). CDC Newsroom. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/m0106-h5-birdflu-death.html
2. Avian influenza. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/westernpacific/wpro-emergencies/surveillance/avian-influenza
3. Funk, J., Vancleave, M., & Durbin, D. (2025, January 28). Egg prices are soaring. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/egg-prices-bird-flu-poultry-inflation-9ea9934e20e3fe393abb1bb85aa31c30 
4. Program, H. F. (2024, March 5). What you need to know about egg safety. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety