Avian influenza (AI)—also known as the “bird flu,”—is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus.
Avian influenza is not a foodborne illness, which means you can't contract it from eating properly cooked poultry or eggs. All eggs should be cooked thoroughly and at recommended temperatures to reduce the risk of any foodborne illnesses. To learn more about cooking and handling eggs, visit the Egg Safety Center or the food safety page by the US Department of Health & Human Services. Click here for USDA information on avian influenza and egg safety. The risk of humans contracting avian influenza is very low, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The AboutAvianInflueza.org website is being updated with the latest information related to the egg industry. Please check back with us soon.
