What Everyone Needs to Know about Bird Flu
Before you become overly concerned about Avian Influenza, otherwise known as "bird flu," there are a few important facts you should know about this disease.
1. "Bird flu" is not a human pandemic influenza. "Bird flu" - H5N1 highly pathogenic Asian avian influenza - is so far basically a severe disease to which birds are vulnerable. Everyone known to be infected so far has had close contact with infected birds, and most have lived in rural villages in Asia. Where there has been no close contact with infected birds, there has so far been no human disease.
2. More good news: The food suppy in the United States and other western countries is safe so far. The poultry industry and the U.S. government take Asian avian influenza very seriously. Avian Influenza is spread by migratory birds so it will probably make its way all around the world, but the governments of many contries monitor wild birds in areas where there could be contact with Asian birds.
In addition, security on U.S. poultry farms is very tight already. Commercially produced poultry in North America are kept from coming in contact with wild birds. Strict procedures are in force to keep infections from the birds' living areas. A poultry farmers' biggest priority is to protect the flocks, they are the farmer's livelihood, after all.
In the United States, the poultry industry and state governments sponsor extensive testing programs to watch for any signs of Asian avian influenza.
Under the program, which nearly all chicken producers follow, from the National Chicken Council, each flock is tested regularly. Any poultry flock found to be infected with Asian avian influenza would be destroyed on the farm and would not enter the food supply.
Certainly if you live in North America, you so far can feel safe in eating your turkey and chicken dinners.
3. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can't get Avian Influenza from poultry that has been properly handled and cooked. Just be sure to follow the instructions already printed on each package of fresh meat and poultry sold in the United States. The instructions are the same as they have always been, nothing special is needed.
On the remote chance that an infected bird might get into the food supply, it still wouldn't affect consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and this is more than enough to destroy any flu viruses that may be present.
"American consumers don't have to worry about getting the avian flu virus from eating poultry," says Dr. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia. "We know that if you properly cook poultry, it's safe."
Comments (0) 25.07.2009. 18:38
Notice: Information on this website is provided strictly for noncommercial public informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.