Avian influenza (AI), also referred to as bird flu, is a virus that infects all types of avian species, including wild birds and domestic poultry. AI is an animal health issue that causes mild to severe symptoms in birds and, in its most extreme form, can be fatal to infected birds.

The U.S. egg industry has had years of experience dealing with AI in commercial poultry flocks. Egg farmers work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in these efforts and are well-equipped to identify AI outbreaks quickly and eradicate them immediately.

Humans cannot get AI through eating thoroughly-cooked eggs as proper cooking easily destroys all AI virus particles. The USDA, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization all agree that properly-cooked eggs are safe to eat. Cook basic egg recipes until the yolk and white are firm and cook or bake any dishes containing eggs until they reach 160℉.