A highly contagious bird flu has caused egg prices to rise in New York City, but it has also sparked concerns about the city’s pigeon population. Can pigeons get bird flu? According to the CDC, the answer is no – pigeons do not typically carry dangerous bird flu viruses.
However, doctors say that while there is a low risk of transmission from pigeons to humans, it’s still unlikely that someone would contract bird flu from them. Most New Yorkers are at very low risk of getting infected, as there have been no documented cases of transmission from person to person.
The main concern with bird flu is not the spread through contact with pigeons, but rather through food preparation and handling. The CDC advises against eating raw eggs or unpasteurized raw milk, as these can carry bacteria and viruses that cause illness.
Dr. Suraj Saggar, a leading infectious disease expert, says that while there have been some cases of human infection linked to bird flu, most have only resulted in mild symptoms. He emphasizes the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing hands often and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
While public health officials encourage caution, they also stress that the risk is low. The CDC will continue to monitor the situation and conduct research to better understand the risks associated with bird flu transmission.
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/can-pigeons-nyc-get-bird-flu-symptoms-know-humans-are-risk-avian-influenza-virus/15898150