Bird flu, or avian influenza, has made headlines several times over the past 20 years, raising concerns about public health and the poultry industry. While any viral outbreak warrants attention, misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic. Understanding the facts helps separate real risks from myths, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about poultry safety.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is caused by influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. Some strains can spread to humans, but according to experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the risk is extremely low and almost always linked to direct, prolonged contact with infected birds—not from consuming poultry. The poultry industry enforces strict biosecurity measures to prevent outbreaks, ensuring a safe food supply.
Common Myths About Bird Flu
Myth #1: You Can Get Bird Flu from Eating Chicken
Reality: There is absolutely no risk of getting bird flu from eating chicken.
The virus is completely destroyed when poultry is cooked to 165°F (75°C). Bird flu is a respiratory disease, not a foodborne illness. Properly cooked chicken is 100% safe to eat. Additionally, poultry is inspected for signs of illness both before and after slaughter to ensure anything brought to market is deemed safe for consumption.
Myth #2: All Chickens Carry Bird Flu
Reality: Most chickens raised for food are healthy and not infected.
Commercial farms follow rigorous biosecurity protocols, including regular testing and controlled environments, making infection extremely rare in regulated poultry operations.
Myth #3: Bird Flu Spreads Easily Among Humans
Reality: The spread of bird flu among humans is rare and not easily transmitted.
Almost all human cases come from direct handling of infected birds. There is no sustained human-to-human transmission, making it unlikely to become a public health crisis.
Real Risks and Precautions
While bird flu poses no threat to consumers, it can impact poultry farms and wild bird populations:
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Poultry Farms: Infected farms must cull entire flocks, affecting supply and prices.
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Wild Birds: Bird flu is a virus that occurs naturally in wild birds like ducks and geese. These migratory birds can spread avian flu, but well-managed farms take preventative measures to protect their flocks.
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Chickens raised for food: Most chickens raised for food are healthy, do not have bird flu, and are safe for consumption.
The Bottom Line on Bird Flu
Bird flu does not pose a risk to the general public when proper precautions are followed. Buy chicken from trusted sources, practice safe food handling, and know that there are many layers of protocols to ensure safe raising, processing and handling of chicken for consumption.
At Jidori Chicken®, we uphold the highest standards of poultry health and safety. Our facility is a federally inspected plant with USDA inspectors on-site daily, ensuring food safety and integrity. We also operate under strict HACCP protocols to maintain premium food safety standards. Think of Jidori as your trusted chicken brand that is committed to always keeping your food safe from farm to your table.