Is the consumption of poultry products safe during bird flu? -

Poultry products are considered safe during bird flu, as they are consumed after proper cooking. The bird flu virus is heat-sensitive and dies when temperatures rise above 70 degrees Celsius. The virus usually does not spread from human to human. However, people who handle poultry products should take precautions like wearing masks, sanitizing their hands frequently with soap and water, not touching their faces, etc.

The consumption of poultry products is considered safe during bird flu outbreaks.

In areas where there are poultry outbreaks, cooking poultry like chicken, ducks, and geese at or above 70 degrees celsius is a safe way to kill the virus, according to the WHO (World health organization). There is no evidence to suggest the spread of the bird flu virus through properly cooked food.

The Covid-19 pandemic is still prevailing. India is facing yet another problem of bird flu. Few states have reported confirmed cases of bird flu. It is mainly found in wild birds, crows, or migratory birds.

In India, the likelihood of contracting the bird flu virus is relatively low. compared to other Southeast Asian nations. It is primarily because of Indian gastronomic customs. In India, meat is typically consumed well and heated to a temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius. However raw poultry product handling requires all precautions like- sanitization, frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and avoiding touching the face.

What is bird flu?

The bird flu is also called avian influenza. It is a viral infection, mostly found in wild aquatic birds all over the world. It can infect domestic birds and animals. The most common strain of the virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds is H5N1. Other strains, like H7 and H8, may also cause infection. The recent samples of infected birds in India in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala were found to be of the H5N8 strain, and in Himachal Pradesh, the H5N1 strain.

Can bird flu infect humans?

The spread of bird flu among humans is rare and not easy. Human-to-human transmission is not common. It can infect people who work in close contact with infected birds, dead or alive. or those who consume infected bird meat that has been partially or not completely cooked.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), bird flu can be transmitted from one person to another. But cases like this are very rare. From 2003 to 2019, WHO confirmed a total of approx. 860 human cases infected by the H5N1 virus (bird flu) worldwide. out of which 455 deaths were recorded.

The viral infection (bird flu) was first reported in China in 1996 in geese. Since then the outbreak has been reported periodically all over the world. The viral infection can be transmitted to humans through the handling of infected birds or through their carcasses.

In humans, the first case was reported in Hong Kong in the year 1997. The infection caused by the bird flu getting transmitted to humans has a mortality rate of around 60%. which is the major cause of concern. The prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has a mortality rate of around 2%–3% in general.

The virus has the potential to mutate. Which during the Covid-19 pandemic can be a serious threat.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

When bird flu is transmitted to humans, it causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). similar to COVID-19. Covid-19, the coronavirus, causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, muscle ache, and other symptoms of bird flu are common. Some people may suffer from abdominal pain and/or diarrhea. All these symptoms may appear in the case of COVID-19, too.

However, the receptors of bird flu caused by the H5N1 virus are deep inside the lungs. Whereas the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu has receptors in the upper respiratory tract such as the nasal cavities of humans. The same is the case with Covid-19 also. For more reading on- Keep corona away- Avoid touching your face. <= Please click.

Measures for safe consumption of poultry products during bird flu.

A well-cooked poultry product, like chicken or eggs, is safe for consumption during bird flu. Consume no uncooked or partially cooked eggs or chicken meat. Proper care must be taken while handling raw poultry products. The cutting boards and utensils and all other surfaces that come into contact with raw meat must be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and soap. Eggshells may contain bird droppings; thus, they must be properly handled and washed with soap and hot water. The consumption of raw or half-cooked meat or eggs must be avoided in any form.

It is critical to keep a safe distance from birds. The virus from infected birds spreads through saliva and feces. Precautions should be taken to avoid touching them. The bird flu virus is airborne. As a result, avoid direct contact with any sick or dead bird. Use masks, gloves, and disinfectants to avoid any risk of infection.

In this case, inform the local authorities if any sick or dead birds are found. If you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor.

For awareness purposes only.