Is Dairy and Meat Safe Amid Bird Flu? What Experts and Testing Reveal

Understand which dairy and meat products are safe to eat during the bird flu outbreak, according to science and health experts.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 28, 2025

Understand which dairy and meat products are safe to eat during the bird flu outbreak, according to science and health experts.

Cases of the highly pathogenic bird flu H5N1 have emerged in the United States, not only impacting poultry but crossing into dairy cattle herds. Fears have rippled across households, especially after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found viral fragments in the commercial milk supply. What does this mean for your safety at the grocery store? Which foods should you avoid, and which remain safe to consume? Experts and government agencies have weighed in, and rigorous testing offers clarity. Here’s what you need to know to stay protected and make informed choices.

What Is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, formally called avian influenza, is a type of influenza virus that primarily affects avian species, including chickens, turkeys, and wild birds. The strain drawing global attention, H5N1, has the ability—at least rarely—to infect mammals, including humans. According to Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, these influenza A viruses mainly circulate among birds but can occasionally cross species barriers.

So far, the H5N1 strain found in U.S. dairy herds has not demonstrated the ability to spread efficiently from person to person. Instances of human infection remain rare and have not led to widespread community transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How Is Bird Flu Transmitted to Humans?

Typically, infection occurs in people who have close and sustained direct contact with infected animals, primarily poultry. There have been very few confirmed human cases, mostly among farm workers or people involved in culling or handling sick animals. The 1918 influenza pandemic virus, for example, initially arose from an avian influenza virus crossing into people, proving such transmission events, while rare, are possible.

In the most recent U.S. incident linked to dairy cattle, the infected individual experienced only mild conjunctivitis (eye redness). No hospitalizations or fatalities have been noted in connection to the current U.S. outbreak as of this writing.

Key Transmission Facts

Most human cases occur in individuals with direct animal contact.
There is no evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission of H5N1.
Symptoms in confirmed human cases have been mild and self-limited.

Status of Bird Flu Outbreak in U.S. Cattle and Food Supply

The FDA detected evidence of the H5N1 virus in the milk of 36 dairy herds across nine different states, prompting a broad review of commercial dairy safety. In response, the FDA undertook substantial product testing, including nearly 300 pasteurized dairy items from a total of 38 states and several powdered formulas designed for infants and toddlers.

FDA’s Major Testing Results

No infectious live virus was detected in tested pasteurized milk, cheese, or other commercial dairy products.
Infant and toddler formulas did not contain avian flu virus.
Pasteurization—a standard dairy industry process—was confirmed to inactivate the virus if present.

These results provided reassurance: “The preliminary results affirm the safety of the U.S. commercial milk supply,” said Don Prater, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The findings confirm pasteurization as a critical step in ensuring public safety from potential viral contamination.

Which Foods Are Safe to Eat During the Bird Flu Outbreak?

Based on authoritative expert review and ongoing FDA and CDC guidance, the following foods are considered safe and pose extremely low to negligible risk when it comes to avian influenza:

Pasteurized milk and all pasteurized dairy products (including cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream)
Commercially available beef
Pasteurized and shelf-stable infant and toddler formulas
Properly cooked poultry, eggs, and meat

Dr. Adalja emphasizes that the only dairy products carrying a theoretic risk are those not subjected to pasteurization. He also notes, “Beef is completely safe to eat.” Both the FDA and CDC affirm that the U.S. commercial milk supply, which is almost entirely pasteurized, is not a source of infection risk for bird flu.

Table: Foods and Bird Flu Safety

Food Product	Risk Level	Reason
Pasteurized Milk / Dairy (cottage cheese, sour cream, etc.)	Very Low / None	Pasteurization kills the virus
Raw (Unpasteurized) Milk & Raw-milk Dairy Products	Higher	No pasteurization; virus may survive
Commercial Beef	Very Low	Cattle muscle not considered a vector for virus; cooking adds safety
Cooked Poultry and Eggs	Very Low	Cooking to proper temperatures inactivates the virus
Undercooked Poultry or Eggs	Potentially Higher	Improper cooking may not kill all pathogens

What To Avoid During Bird Flu Outbreaks

The FDA and CDC advise avoiding certain foods during bird flu activity, especially if you’re in an affected region or have compromised immunity:

Raw (unpasteurized) milk and any dairy products (like raw milk cheeses, yogurt, or cream) made from it
Poultry, meat, or eggs that are undercooked or improperly handled
Direct contact with sick or dead birds or mammals

Raw milk has long been associated with a variety of harmful bacteria and viruses—not just avian influenza. Dr. Adalja underscores that “avian influenza is only the newest reason not to consume unpasteurized dairy products,” as raw milk can also harbor E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.

Why Is Pasteurization Important?

Pasteurization is a carefully regulated heating process designed to kill harmful bacteria and viruses without affecting the nutritional quality or shelf life of the product. The process reliably kills influenza viruses, including H5N1, if present in milk or dairy products.

The vast majority (about 99%) of U.S. commercial dairy products are pasteurized before being sold.
The Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) sets the national standard and is followed by nearly all dairy producers.
Even though viral fragments were detected in some milk, pasteurization inactivates infectious virus, making it safe for consumers.

In contrast, raw (unpasteurized) milk skips this step, creating the potential for a variety of infections—not only from bird flu but from other well-known pathogens. Health authorities strongly advise avoiding all raw milk products regardless of the presence or absence of a bird flu outbreak.

How to Stay Safe: Steps for the General Public

Only purchase and consume pasteurized dairy products. Avoid raw milk and products derived from it.
Cook eggs, poultry, and all meats thoroughly. Follow temperature guidelines for safety. (For poultry: internal temp should reach at least 165°F/74°C.)
Wash hands after handling raw eggs, poultry, or meat products, and before handling ready-to-eat foods.
Get your annual human influenza vaccine. While it doesn’t directly guard against H5N1, it reduces the risk of co-infection and complications.
Refrigerate all perishable foods promptly and use safe storage practices to limit spoilage and pathogen growth.

Additional Tips

Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds or mammals (pets, wild animals, or livestock).
If exposed to affected animals, follow guidance from public health authorities on monitoring and possible testing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get bird flu from drinking commercial milk?

Pasteurized commercial milk and products made from it are considered safe. Pasteurization kills the H5N1 virus if present, and extensive testing has found no infectious virus in the retail milk supply.

Is it safe to eat beef during the outbreak?

Yes, beef is considered safe to eat. The virus has not been shown to spread through beef, and cooking further reduces any potential risk.

Which dairy products should I avoid?

Avoid all unpasteurized or “raw” dairy products, including raw milk, cheeses made from raw milk, and cream or yogurt from unpasteurized sources.

Can I get bird flu from eggs or poultry?

As long as eggs and poultry are properly cooked to the recommended temperatures, they are safe to eat. Undercooked products may carry other foodborne pathogens and should always be avoided.

Is it safe for children and pregnant women to consume dairy and meat right now?

Yes, as long as products are pasteurized and meats are properly cooked, the risk remains extremely low for all population groups, including children and pregnant women.

Expert Guidance and Current Outlook

While public anxiety is understandable in light of emerging infections, U.S. federal and state agencies have systems in place to monitor, test, and manage food safety risks. Regular testing and adherence to established safety protocols have allowed experts to confidently recommend the continued consumption of pasteurized dairy and properly cooked animal products.

Leading Expert Recommendations

Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy.
Follow all standard food safety practices for cooking and storing animal products.
Do not handle sick or dead animals. Report unusual animal illnesses to local authorities.

In summary, the nation’s commercial milk and meat supply remain safe thanks to robust safety procedures and continuous monitoring. Consumers can continue to enjoy dairy and meat as part of a balanced diet—just be sure those products are pasteurized and your food is cooked appropriately.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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