Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is making headlines again. First things first: this is an animal health issue, not a food safety issue. Properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.
Below, we answer some of the biggest questions about HPAI — how it spreads, what it means for the food supply, and what Cargill is doing to help.
What is HPAI?
HPAI stands for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — a contagious virus that affects birds, especially poultry. It can spread quickly and cause serious illness among flocks.
The good news: this is not a food safety issue. Cooking eggs and poultry properly destroys the virus.
Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs during an HPAI outbreak?
Yes, it is. Proper cooking and pasteurization (for processed egg products) kill the avian influenza virus if it’s present. Plus, strict food safety systems and inspections help ensure that only healthy products make it to the grocery store.
How is HPAI spread among birds?
HPAI spreads mainly through:
- Direct contact between healthy and infected birds
- Contaminated surfaces like equipment, clothing, or vehicles
- Wild birds that carry the virus without showing signs
What happens when HPAI is found on a farm?
When HPAI shows up:
- The farm is quarantined right away.
- Infected birds are humanely euthanized to protect others.
- The site is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before anything resumes.
It’s tough, but it's the fastest way to stop the spread.
What’s the risk to the food supply?
Very low.
Here’s why:
- Flock testing catches issues early.
- Federal inspections keep affected products out of stores.
- Biosecurity programs help prevent problems before they start.
What is Cargill doing to minimize HPAI risk?
We’re doing a lot, including:
- Strong biosecurity measures across all our poultry and egg operations
- Working closely with farmers to spot and stop risks
- Running rigorous testing programs alongside government oversight
- Participating in programs like the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) to maintain strong health and safety standards
How is Cargill partnering across the supply chain?
We’re all in this together.
We’re working side-by-side with customers, suppliers, farmers, and regulators to:
- Keep food moving
- Limit the spread of HPAI
- Make sure safe, affordable poultry and eggs stay available
How does HPAI impact egg supplies and prices?
When HPAI hits, there are fewer eggs, and prices can rise.
We’re doing everything we can to keep supply chains moving and support our customers through these challenges.
How can farmers protect their flocks from HPAI?
Farmers can protect their birds by:
- Tightening biosecurity (cleaning gear, controlling visitor access)
- Watching closely for early signs of illness
- Reporting any suspected cases fast
We’re helping farmers every step of the way with training, tools, and support.
Contact us to learn more.