VERIFY | Cooking poultry and bird flu

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — According to the CDC, 68 human cases of the bird flu have been reported in the U.S. While North and South Carolina have no human cases, four people across the country have now been hospitalized. However, there are still questions about food safety amid the spread of the virus.

WCNC Charlotte’s VERIFY team looked into how the virus spreads and if cooking chicken can get rid of the virus.

Here’s what we can verify.

If a chicken has bird flu, can the virus be cooked out of them before eating?

Yes, if a chicken has bird flu, the virus can be cooked out of it.

The Cleveland Clinic says bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a virus typically spread by infected birds and other animals. While humans can contract the bird flu, it is extremely rare for it to spread from person to person.

“Right now, there’s a low risk because it’s mainly seen in birds, but there have been some rare cases, so we need to remain vigilant,” said Dr. Lysette Cardona, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Bird flu symptoms in humans can include fever, sore throat, cough, and fatigue. The virus is mainly transmitted through contact with infected animals’ bodily fluids, such as saliva, respiratory droplets, and feces.

The CDC and USDA both confirm that as long as poultry and eggs are cooked to the correct temperature, they are safe to eat. The USDA says poultry and eggs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered cooked properly. Ground beef should be cooked to 160°F, while whole cuts of beef should reach 145°F.

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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