Bird flu has been a problem in America for many years, causing egg shortages as well as human infections. A new strain of bird flu, H5N9 has been detected in California. This is the first case of HPAI-H5N9 confirmed in U.S. chickens. Many questions remain unanswered because the CDC and government organizations are currently unable comment publicly due a communication pause.
Thomas Russo MD, professor at the University at Buffalo, New York and chief of infectious diseases, explains the differences between H5N1 versus H5N9. Both strains of avian influenza can cause HPAI and symptoms such as eye redness, respiratory problems, and pneumonia. Russo, however, describes them as “second and third cousins” to highlight their distinctness.
Here’s the good thing: Poultry can still be eaten safely. Russo says that people should adhere to food safety guidelines. “Make sure that your poultry is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Eggs and milk can be consumed as long as they are cooked properly and raw milk is not consumed. According to Russo, it’s more likely that you’ll catch salmonella from chicken than bird flu.
Egg prices are rising across the country as a result of the outbreaks. The prices are expected to remain high until the outbreaks have been contained.
There is a federal stockpile of several million doses of the bird flu vaccine. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously called bird flu vaccines “dangerous”. This raises concern about access to the vaccine in the event of a need.
Russo assures that the risk to an average person is very low, especially if they don’t have a backyard flock or work with livestock. He recommends avoiding dead animal and following the food-safety measures previously mentioned.
