• Flu
• Infections

Can You Get Bird Flu from Eating Eggs?

Published: February 28, 2025
Updated: February 28, 2025
4 mins

If you’ve been surprised to see a surge in the price of eggs, you’re not alone. As of February 2025, the U.S. is experiencing a significant bird flu outbreak, which has led to notable impacts on the poultry industry and food safety measures.

Since 2022, close to 165 million birds (egg-laying hens) have been culled to control the spread of the virus. This loss of laying hens has resulted in a dramatic increase in egg prices. 

Cost of eggs aside, this outbreak has caused much concern for the safety of eggs and poultry amongst Americans. With concerns about food safety, some people are trying to stay away from eating or cooking with eggs altogether, opting for alternatives due to fears of contamination or health risks. 

Fortunately, we’re here to help you understand what the bird flu means for food safety in the U.S. – what’s safe to eat, how to take proper precautions, and how to feel confident when purchasing and consuming eggs and poultry.

What’s Bird Flu?

Bird flu – or avian influenza – is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can sometimes spread to humans and other animals. It’s caused by influenza A viruses, with strains like H5N1, H7N9, and H5N8 being among the most concerning for public health. 

Bird flu is mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. In rare cases, it can spread to humans, especially those who work closely with poultry. 

When bird flu infects people, it can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and severe respiratory issues. Some cases have led to pneumonia and even death.

Are Eating Eggs and Poultry Safe?

Yes, eating properly cooked eggs and poultry is safe, but there are some precautions you can take to ensure there’s no risk of infection. The bird flu virus cannot survive cooking temperatures (165℉/74℉). Even if an egg or chicken came from an exposed area, thorough cooking eliminates any risk. 

There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry transmits bird flu. The main risk comes from direct contact with infected live birds, not food consumption.

Can the Bird Flu Virus Pass Through the Eggshell?

It’s very unlikely that avian influenza viruses pass through the eggshell because the virus is smaller than the eggshell’s pores. The bird flu virus is about 100 nanometers in size, while the pores of an eggshell are about 200 to 600 nanometers in diameter. 

Because the virus is smaller than the pores in the eggshell, it would seem logical to assume it could pass through. However, the situation is more complex. The pores on an eggshell are not directly open like holes in a mesh. They are covered by a protective layer that helps prevent contamination from entering. This layer and the natural defenses of the egg (like the cuticle, a thin protective coating) significantly reduce the likelihood of the virus passing through the eggshell.

So, while it's technically possible for tiny particles like viruses to pass through, the egg's natural defenses and the egg's internal environment (like its albumen, or egg white) play a key role in preventing contamination.

Again, cooking the egg to the proper temperature would further eliminate the risk of contracting this virus. 

Does Proper Food Handling Prevent Bird Flu?

According to the CDC, proper food handling and cooking prevent bird flu transmission through poultry and eggs. The avian influenza virus does not spread through properly cooked food, as high temperatures kill the virus. However, safe food handling practices help prevent contamination from raw poultry. Here’s how to safely handle poultry and eggs:

• Cook thoroughly: Ensure poultry reaches 165°F (74°C) and eggs are fully cooked.

• Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw poultry separate from ready-to-eat foods.

• Wash hands and surfaces: Use warm, soapy water after handling raw poultry or eggs.

• Store properly: Refrigerate eggs and raw poultry at 40°F (4°C) or below.

How to Safely Purchase and Store Eggs

When buying eggs

• Check for cracks: Only buy eggs with clean, uncracked shells to prevent bacteria from entering.

• Look for refrigeration: Purchase eggs that have been stored in a refrigerated section, as cold temperatures slow bacterial growth.

• Check the sell-by date: Choose the freshest eggs by checking the sell-by or expiration date on the carton.

How to store eggs at home

• Keep them refrigerated: Store eggs at 40°F (4°C) or below in their original carton to maintain freshness.

• Avoid the fridge door: Keep eggs on a middle or lower shelf instead of the door, where temperature fluctuations can shorten shelf life.

• Use within three to five weeks: Properly stored eggs remain fresh for several weeks past the sell-by date.

How to tell if an egg has gone bad

If you're unsure whether an egg is still good, try these simple tests:

1. The float test

• Fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg inside.

• Fresh eggs sink and lay flat on the bottom.

• Slightly older eggs stand upright but remain submerged (still safe to eat).

• Bad eggs float to the top – discard them.

2. The smell test

• Crack the egg into a clean bowl.

• A bad egg has a strong, sulfur-like odor. If it smells off, throw it away.

3. The visual check

• Fresh egg whites are thick and slightly cloudy.

• If the egg white is watery or has a pink, green, or iridescent tint, it may be spoiled and should be discarded.

How Do Humans Contract Bird Flu?

Humans can contract avian influenza (bird flu) through direct exposure to infected birds, their environments, or contaminated surfaces. While rare, transmission typically occurs in the following ways:

• Contact with infected birds: Handling sick or dead birds, especially in live markets or farms, increases the risk.

• Exposure to bird droppings or secretions: The virus spreads through saliva, mucus, and feces of infected birds, which can contaminate surfaces, air, and water.

• Inhaling virus particles: People working in poultry farms or processing plants may inhale airborne virus particles from dust or droplets.

• Touching contaminated surfaces: The virus can survive on surfaces like feed bins, cages, or clothing, leading to infection if someone touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Who is Responsible for Ensuring the Safety of Eggs?

The responsibility for ensuring the safety of eggs falls on several parties, with oversight from federal and state agencies as well as producers and distributors. Here’s how it works:

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA plays a key role in ensuring the safety of eggs, particularly through its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). They oversee the Egg Products Inspection Act, which mandates that all eggs sold in the U.S. must meet specific safety standards. This includes:

• Inspecting processing plants for cleanliness and proper handling practices.

• Monitoring eggs for potential contamination (e.g., Salmonella) and ensuring that eggs are processed and stored safely.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA also has a role in ensuring egg safety, especially for shell eggs. It regulates egg storage, labeling, and certain safety practices, such as:

• Refrigeration requirements: Eggs must be kept at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.

• Salmonella prevention: The FDA’s “Egg Safety Rule” focuses on reducing the risk of Salmonella infection by requiring producers to follow strict guidelines on handling, sanitation, and temperature control.

Egg producers and distributors

The egg producers and distributors are directly responsible for:

• Ensuring their eggs are safe by following federal regulations and maintaining sanitary conditions on the farm and during processing.

• Maintaining proper storage conditions (keeping eggs at the correct temperature during transportation and in retail settings).

• Adhering to food safety practices, such as ensuring eggs are free of cracks and providing regular inspections for contamination.

Where Can I Learn More About Food Safety?

With LifeMD, you'll be able to connect with licensed healthcare providers who can help you understand more about how to maintain a healthy diet while ensuring food safety. We’ll also be able to prescribe medication to help you fight your flu symptoms, if medically appropriate.

Make an appointment today to get started.

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