As bird flu cases surge among chickens nationwide, prices for eggs have skyrocketed and shelves are left bare, raising consumer concerns. Experts emphasize that, despite recent outbreaks, the risk to public health remains low. Egg production protocols, including stringent washing and sanitizing, effectively mitigate the likelihood of contaminated eggs reaching grocery stores. The virus impacts hens severely, leading to culling practices that prevent infected birds from producing eggs. While the virus has affected about 66 individuals across the U.S. since 2024 primarily through contact with infected birds, food safety experts indicate that transmission through properly handled and cooked eggs is unlikely. The CDC advises cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees to ensure safety. As the egg supply grows precarious, consumers might look to alternative protein sources like chicken meat, potentially causing ripples in the market. However, experts assert that the short life cycle of broiler chickens alleviates immediate concerns for chicken meat shortages, keeping the focus primarily on the egg supply and consumer purchasing behavior.
