If you watch or read the news regularly, you’ve probably heard of bird flu, otherwise known as avian influenza. Bird flu is a contagious disease of animals; the viruses infect mainly birds and occasionally pigs. On rare occasions, the virus has crossed over to infect humans.
There are 23 different variations of the influenza A virus. Only a few of these subtypes can cause serious illness in poultry. The variety that is causing the most upset is the “highly pathogenic” form, which can cause high mortality rates in a domestic flock of poultry in a very short amount of time. Two variations, known as H5 and H7 are highly pathogenic; the other 21 variations are low pathogenic and cause only mild symptoms in poultry.
How does avian influenza spread? It seems that a low pathogenic version of the disease can be introduced into a flock of birds by migratory birds. In the infected flock, the low pathogenic version can mutate to the dangerous highly pathogenic version.
How do humans get infected? The main route of infection is direct contact with infected poultry or their feces. Infected birds can shed large amounts of the virus in their droppings, so surfaces and objects may be contaminated if they come into contact with infected droppings. But keep in mind that the virus does NOT spread easily to humans. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control are not sure why some people become infected and some do not — even when exposure circumstances are similar.
Is it safe to eat chicken? Absolutely! If you live in an area NOT currently experiencing outbreaks of bird flu, you have no need to worry. Cook your poultry and eggs as you normally would. Avian influenza is NOT transmitted through cooked food.
If you live in an area that has recently experienced outbreaks of bird flu, you need to make sure that meat is properly handled and fully cooked. The virus is very sensitive to heat, and will be killed by the time the meat is fully cooked. Eggs, too, must be fully cooked — that means no runny yolks. And keep in mind that juices from raw poultry can contaminate other items that are eaten raw. If you are handling raw poultry, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and clean and disinfect the prep area.