Buzz
Avian flu is back in the headlines due to an outbreak in the Midwest and Northeast, which has led to the euthanization or death of over 21 million birds since February. Recently, it has also been linked to higher costs for turkey and eggs.
With hefty grocery bills (amid the ongoing supply chain disruptions and rising inflation, no less) already a concern, you might be wondering whether there’s more to worry about regarding avian flu. Here’s what you should know.
What exactly is avian flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, avian influenza is caused by infection with bird flu Type A viruses, although this definition may not offer much clarity for the general public. The CDC further explains that these viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds across the globe and can affect poultry and other bird species as well as animals. These Type A viruses have been found in over 100 different species of wild birds worldwide, including:
Ducks
Geese
Swans
Gulls
Terns
Storks
Plovers
Sandpipers
As per the CDC, wild aquatic birds—particularly dabbling ducks—are recognized as hosts for the Type A viruses. These birds can be infected in their intestines and respiratory systems, though some species may not show any symptoms of illness.
Infected birds can spread the viruses through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. These viruses are highly contagious among birds and can lead to illness or death in certain domesticated bird species, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
When outbreaks occur in poultry, depopulation typically follows—meaning a large number of birds die. Given that this is a global issue, various health authorities have provided insight. For example, the Australian government describes what happens to infected birds: Wild birds typically don’t show symptoms, but depending on the species, they may experience diarrhea, breathing difficulties, a swollen head, or death.
Can bird flu infect humans?
Here’s some good news: According to the CDC, avian influenza Type A viruses “typically do not infect people.” However, in rare instances, bird flu has caused illness in humans, with varying levels of severity. Some individuals had no symptoms or only mild symptoms, while others developed serious conditions that led to death. In general, Asian lineage H7N9 and Asian lineage H5N1 viruses have been responsible for most of the human illnesses related to bird flu worldwide.
Regarding whether these rare human cases could lead to additional human-to-human transmission—meaning whether someone infected with bird flu could pass it on to others—this is also unlikely. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control notes that A(H5N1) is “not well adapted to humans,” although it does kill a significant portion of the poultry it infects. In general, “transmission from birds to humans is rare, and no ongoing human-to-human transmission has been observed, but it can cause severe illness in humans.” So, it’s probably not something to lose sleep over, but it's still best to avoid getting infected.
How can people protect themselves from avian flu?
First and foremost: Get your flu shot. While the seasonal flu vaccine won't protect you from bird flu viruses, the CDC states that it can help lower the risk of contracting both human and bird flu viruses at the same time.
The CDC also advises people to avoid direct contact with wild birds and even sick or deceased domestic birds. The organization also recommends staying away from surfaces that might be contaminated with bird saliva, mucus, or feces from either wild or domestic birds.
If you must handle sick poultry for any reason, use protective gear, wash your hands thoroughly after handling the birds, and change your clothes before interacting with healthy domestic poultry or handling wild birds. Hunters are advised to field-dress game birds while wearing gloves.
If you come into contact with an infected bird and develop symptoms within 10 days, stay at home and isolate yourself from other members of your household. Anyone who had close contact with you should monitor their health and consult a doctor if they show symptoms within 10 days of exposure.
Properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu. Always handle raw poultry with care, and ensure all poultry products, including eggs, are thoroughly cooked. There is no evidence that anyone has contracted bird flu from consuming properly cooked poultry products.
So, what’s happening right now?
The cost of turkey and eggs has risen as a highly contagious bird flu strain spreads across the United States. According to Axios, while Arkansas—America’s second-largest chicken producer—has yet to report any cases, experts told the outlet that the entire nation should stay on “high alert” as this outbreak involves a new strain of bird flu.
According to market analysis firm Urner Barry, Axios reports that the average wholesale price for a dozen large eggs in the Midwest reached $2.94 at the start of this week, up from $1.03 last year—a 185% increase. The wholesale price for a pound of fresh turkey breast nearly doubled on Monday compared to the same day last year. However, Urner Barry’s senior vice president Russ Whitman told Axios that chicken prices are rising more due to strong demand for the meat than from the effects of bird flu.
At the moment, the outbreak is mainly contained to the Northeast and Midwest regions. The majority of the chicken produced in the United States comes from the Southeast, which has not been affected yet.
Should you be concerned?
You can get bird flu, but it’s not likely. Avoid touching birds if possible, always cook your poultry and eggs thoroughly, and wash your hands. Stay informed about the latest outbreak developments and prepare to pay higher prices for meat and eggs at the grocery store (though you’ve probably noticed that trend already).
