Eggs from a chicken infected with coccidiosis can still be eaten, however, it is important to take safety precautions.
Whether the hens were receiving treatment when they laid the eggs will determine whether eating the eggs from coccidiosis-infected birds is safe.
You can consume chicken eggs both while and after they’re taking Corid (the brand name for amprolium).
However, a withdrawal period must be taken into account if your hens are on the drug Sulmet (sulfamethazine sodium). Some people are allergic to sulfa drugs, and sulfa residues can show up in eggs. (I strongly advise against ever providing Sulmet to egg layers because it may affect egg production.)
So, it’s important that you read the label on your chickens’ medication to see if it has a warning against eating the hens’ eggs.
But beyond medicated chickens, if handled properly and cooked correctly, there shouldn’t be any risk associated with eating eggs from a chicken with coccidiosis It’s safe as long as you take the necessary precautions when handling and cooking the eggs.
How To Safely Handle & Cook Eggs
When handling and eating eggs from a chicken that may have abnormal symptoms, it’s important to take some safety precautions to protect yourself and your family.
- First off, wear gloves when collecting eggs and wash your hands frequently with soap and water after touching them.
- It’s also important to cook the eggs thoroughly before consuming them as this will kill any potentially harmful microorganisms present in them. Make sure that:
- Egg whites are firm and yolks are either coagulated or solid.
- Egg-containing dishes have reached 160° Fahrenheit.
- Boiled eggs for at least 3.5 minutes.
- Additionally, discard any cracked or dirty eggs as they may be more susceptible to carrying dangerous microorganisms than intact ones.