What You Need to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu and Everyday Precautions
Guidance on navigating the ongoing avian flu outbreak including how to prepare food, maintain bird feeders, and keep pets safe.
H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Safe
The H5N1 avian flu outbreak is making waves—not just in headlines, but in our daily lives, from rising egg prices to concerns about food safety and pet health. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assesses the current risk to the public as low, the virus has spread beyond birds to dairy cattle and other animals, with over 70 sporadic human cases reported in the U.S. so far.
Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and protected:
🔹 Is Your Food Safe?
Poultry, eggs, and beef are safe to eat when fully cooked (poultry to 165°F, ground beef to 160°F).
Avoid raw eggs, undercooked meats, and cross-contamination when preparing food.
🔹 Should You Take Down Bird Feeders?
If you keep backyard poultry or live near farms, consider removing feeders.
Always wear gloves, mask and eye protection when handling feeders and clean them with a bleach solution regularly.
🔹 Why You Should Avoid Raw Milk
H5N1 has been detected in U.S. dairy herds, making raw (unpasteurized) milk a potential risk.
Pasteurization kills harmful pathogens—stick with pasteurized dairy products.
🔹 How to Protect Your Pets
Avoid feeding pets raw pet food, as some products have tested positive for H5N1.
Keep pets away from sick or dead birds, contaminated water, and infected livestock areas.
By following simple hygiene and food safety measures, you can help minimize risks and stay protected.
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