Background
Birds, like people, can have the flu. Avian influenza or bird flu was first identified over 100 years ago during an outbreak in Italy. Over the years, the disease has appeared from time to time in regions all over the world including the United States. Avian influenza spreads easily among wild birds, but it can also infect domesticated birds including chickens, turkeys and ducks. Left untreated, avian influenza can devastate an entire flock of chickens.
| Fully cooked poultry products are safe to consume as the avian flu virus would be destroyed by following recommended cooking temperatures. See recommended cooking information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture listed below . |
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza is a disease most commonly found among poultry. There are many subtypes of flu viruses, variants and strains that affect birds, other animals and even humans. The type of flu virus affecting birds and poultry flocks in Asia during recent months is called H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This particular form of avian influenza is very deadly to poultry and can spread rapidly among an entire flock of birds. The USA does not have the HPAI form. Other forms of the virus cause either no disease or mild disease in poultry and some wild birds. These are low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses, but are very uncommon in commercial poultry and usually seen in poultry raised outdoors.
Understanding Flu Terms
Seasonal flu, avian flu and pandemic flu are not the same.
- Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is available.
- Avian flu (bird flu) is caused by flu viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 strain is deadly to domestic birds and in unique circumstances, can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no immunity and currently, there is no vaccine available.
- Pandemic flu is a virulent human flu that causes global outbreak, or pandemic, or serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily and rapidly from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
Source: Pandemicflu.gov, avianflu.gov
Can people become sick with a form of avian influenza?
Yes, however, the H5N1 strain has so far infected humans only rarely. The virus is found in bird droppings, nasal secretions and saliva of infected birds. Bird-to-human transmission most commonly occurs through the inhalation of contaminated feces. Although, human-to-human transmission is possible, no evidence has yet been reported.
How do humans become infected?
For the most part, poultry workers in unsanitary conditions can become infected with avian influenza by inhaling the virus from infected birds or transplanting the virus from contaminated hands to mouth.
Can you catch avian influenza by eating chicken, turkey, duck or even eggs?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), proper handling and cooking provides protection against avian influenza and other viruses and bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. USDA highly recommends consumers follow the following safe food handling and preparation techniques every day:
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh poultry and or eggs;
- Prevent cross-contamination by keeping poultry and their juices away from other foods;
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds, cutting board, knife, and counter tops with hot, soapy water after cutting raw poultry;
- Sanitize cutting boards and other utensils by using a solution of 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach in 1 quart of water; and,
- Use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached the safe internal temperature—in all parts of the bird. Cook poultry to at least 165° F to kill foodborne germs that might be present, including the AI virus.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2006
What’s being done to stop the disease from spreading?
In the affected countries where avian influenza is predominately found, infected chickens and ducks are destroyed to reduce the risk of infection to other healthy birds and to minimize any potential risk to humans. Awareness and education has been heightened in affected areas around the world. The USDA recognizes the potential threat to human health and has therefore increased its surveillance and monitoring efforts to detect, contain and eradicate any infected birds before the disease spreads. More information about USDA’s efforts and response to Avian influenza in the U.S. is available at http://www.usda.gov and http://pandemicflu.gov/.
Putting risk in perspective, here’s what you need to know . . .
Avian influenza is transmitted from the droppings, nasal secretions and saliva of infected birds. Currently, the risk of anyone contracting avian influenza outside farm and agricultural areas is quite low. Safeguards have been put in place by USDA and other government agencies to prevent avian influenza from spreading among poultry flocks and preventing any infected poultry and eggs from reaching consumers. Proper cooking techniques should be used to kill pathogens and will eliminate avian influenza in poultry and eggs should they be present. When traveling to areas affected by avian influenza, it is always wise to check with international travel authorities or the CDC for updated traveler’s advice.
