Is it safe to consume dairy and poultry products during the bird flu scare? Essential precautions to follow

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a worker on a Texas dairy farm testing positive for the avian flu. This marks the second case in the United States of someone contracting the H5N1 influenza strain. The individual diagnosed with the H5N1 virus is currently recovering with mild symptoms.

The first case, in 2022, was diagnosed in a Colorado man who was directly exposed to poultry.

Transmission electron microscopic image of two Influenza A (H5N1) virions, a type of bird flu virus Note the glycoprotein spikes along the surface of the virion and as a stippled appearance of the viral envelope encasing each virion.

Transmission electron microscopic image shows two Influenza A (H5N1) virions, a type of bird flu virus. You can see glycoprotein spikes on the surface of the virions, with a stippled appearance of the viral envelope surrounding each virion. This image was captured by the CDC.

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The risk to the public is still low, as stated by the CDC, but I have some questions. What is the avian flu and how does it spread? What are the symptoms and treatments for those infected? Is there a vaccine available? Should we avoid consuming poultry and dairy products?

To help us understand these concerns, I had a conversation with Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert at CNN. Dr. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She has also served as the health commissioner in Baltimore.

CNN: What is bird flu?

Dr. Leana Wen: Bird flu, also known as avian flu or avian influenza, is caused by avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses typically spread among wild birds, particularly wild aquatic birds like ducks and geese. They can also infect domestic poultry and other animals.

Avian influenza A viruses come in two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses and high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses. While most LPAI viruses do not cause any symptoms or only mild disease in birds, HPAI viruses can lead to severe illness and high mortality rates, with some subtypes causing up to 90% to 100% mortality in chickens. Furthermore, certain LPAI viruses have the potential to mutate into HPAI variants.

CNN recently asked the question: How does bird flu spread?

Bird-to-bird transmission is the most common way the avian flu virus spreads. Infected birds release the virus through bodily fluids like saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Other birds can get infected by direct contact with the virus or touching surfaces contaminated by infected birds.

The H5N1 avian flu virus has been causing outbreaks in the US, affecting over 85 million poultry in 48 states. This virus spreads quickly among domestic poultry and can infect an entire flock within days.

Yes, some forms of bird flu can be transmitted to other animals. Since 2022 in the US, the avian flu H5N1 virus has been detected in more than 200 mammals. In March 2024, a multistate outbreak of this virus was reported in dairy cattle. The person in Texas who was just diagnosed with it presumably contracted it through exposure.

Picture of new born chicks at the Couvoirs de l'Est firm 23 February 2006 in Willgottheim, east of France. The Couvoirs de l'Est company, which sell chicks to stockbreeders, reduced its production to face the falling demand due to risks of bird flu in France.

Here is a photo of adorable new born chicks at the Couvoirs de l'Est firm in Willgottheim, located in the east of France. The company sells chicks to stockbreeders. However, due to the risks of bird flu in France and the falling demand, the Couvoirs de l'Est has reduced its production.

FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP/Getty Images

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Experts are currently monitoring the bird flu virus closely, as it is not considered a direct threat to humans at the moment.

In this situation, cattle are considered the intermediate host, as the virus has been transmitted from birds to cattle and then to humans. There is also a possibility for humans to directly contract the virus from infected birds. This can happen if the virus enters a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, is inhaled, or if a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face.

Transmission of bird flu from person to person is rare and mostly occurs in individuals who have close and prolonged contact with infected birds and their surroundings. For example, the person who was infected with bird flu in Colorado in 2022 had direct exposure to birds and was involved in culling poultry. CNN asks: Can bird flu be transmitted from person to person?

Instances of people infected with bird flu transmitting it to other human beings have been reported, although this is rare and not common. In most cases, the transmission occurred among family members who had prolonged and close contact with a person showing symptoms of the flu. There have also been a few instances of human-to-human transmission in hospital settings after unprotected exposure.

This picture shows a Falkland Skua.

This picture shows a Falkland Skua.

Kneonlight/iStockphoto/Getty Images

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The CDC has stated that despite the spread of H5N1 among cattle and poultry, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus. According to CNN, people who are infected with H5N1 may experience certain symptoms.

Symptoms of H5N1 can vary from mild, like a runny nose, sore throat, red eyes, and headache, to severe conditions like pneumonia and organ failure. The person in Texas with H5N1 only has conjunctivitis, or pink eye, as their symptom. In Colorado, the person diagnosed mainly experienced fatigue.

CNN asks: What treatment options are available for H5N1?

There are several antiviral drugs available to treat influenza, including oral pills that can help reduce the severity of the illness. Some antivirals can also be used for post-exposure prophylaxis, given to individuals who have been exposed to the virus but have not yet developed symptoms.

CNN asked if there is a vaccine for bird flu.

Wen: Currently, vaccines targeting H5N1 are not widely produced and are not yet available for commercial use. The seasonal flu vaccine does not provide protection against avian flu, but it can lower the chances of getting sick from both human and bird flu viruses simultaneously. It is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older, particularly those with bird exposure.

CNN: Are chicken, chicken eggs, and milk safe to consume?

It's perfectly safe to consume pasteurized milk as the pasteurization process effectively eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses, including influenza viruses that may be present in the milk. Likewise, properly handled and cooked poultry, such as chicken and eggs, are safe to eat.

yipengge/iStockphoto/Getty Images

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CNN: Can my pet bird get bird flu?

It is possible for your pet bird to contract avian flu if it comes into contact with an infected animal. However, if your bird is an indoor bird and does not have contact with wild birds or other animals that are exposed to avian flu, then it is unlikely to contract the virus.

CNN asked if there are any specific preventive measures that people should take.

The CDC has provided a list of precautions for people to take in order to prevent the spread of avian flu. These measures mainly focus on protecting workers who are in contact with poultry and individuals who have backyard bird flocks. It is important for them to use personal protective equipment when handling animals that are known or suspected to be infected with the avian flu.

In general, it is recommended for people to avoid direct contact with wild birds and to observe them from a distance. It is best to stay away from birds that appear sick or have died. Additionally, individuals should refrain from touching surfaces where bird droppings are likely to be present. When traveling, it is advised to avoid bird markets and poultry farms, as well as to avoid consuming raw or undercooked poultry products.

Editor's P/S:

The recent cases of the avian flu in the United States are concerning, but it's important to remember that the risk to the public remains low. The virus is primarily spread among birds and poultry, with human infections being rare. However, as the virus continues to spread, it's essential to take precautions to protect ourselves and our communities.

While the article provides valuable information, it's important to seek additional updates from credible sources, such as the CDC, for the latest guidelines and recommendations. By staying informed and taking appropriate measures, we can collectively reduce the risk of the avian flu and its potential impact on human health.