Bird Flu: What You Need to Know About Food Safety and Prevention
What is Bird Flu?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu or H5N1, is a highly contagious and often deadly disease primarily found in poultry. It is caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses.
How is Avian Influenza Spread to Humans?
Avian influenza viruses are spread by infected birds through saliva, mucus, and feces. The virus can also be present in the respiratory secretions, organs, blood, or body fluids of other infected animals, including milk. Human infections occur when the virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled through airborne droplets, aerosol particles, or dust. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
Can I Get Bird Flu by Drinking Milk?
There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food. Pasteurized milk and other dairy products are safe to consume. The most important thing is that it has to be pasteurized, because the virus is killed with heat. Pasteurization of milk was adopted decades ago as a basic public health measure to kill dangerous bacteria and largely eliminate the risk of getting sick.
Will Eating Eggs Make Me Sick?
All egg products are pasteurized as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This means that they have been rapidly heated and held at a minimum required temperature for a specified time to destroy bacteria. However, eggs that are still in their shells aren’t required to be pasteurized, leading to potential health risks if eaten raw or uncooked.
What About Chicken?
Chicken is safe to eat if it’s properly cooked. During an avian flu outbreak, the chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is low, because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards in place, which include testing of flocks and federal inspection programs.
How Contagious is Avian Flu?
There have not been any human-to-human transmission cases yet during the recent bird flu outbreak. The transmission is from animal to human. According to Ghanem, people usually only get infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza if they come in contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids.
How Dangerous is HPAI for Humans?
The California dairy workers infected with avian flu so far have experienced mild flu-like symptoms. All the cases that we have here in California are very mild. They haven’t needed hospitalization.
What are Avian Flu Symptoms?
Avian flu symptoms in humans may include:
- Fever or feeling feverish or chills
- Eye redness or irritation
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Tiredness
What Should I Do if I’m Exposed to Bird Flu Virus?
If you get exposed to the avian flu virus, you must follow these steps:
- Observe yourself to see if you develop any symptoms
- Let the CDC know, so you can get tested
- Isolate in case you have the virus
- Start treatment if you test positive for HPAI or have any symptoms
How Can I Prevent the Spread of the Virus?
To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, people should avoid exposure to dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and cows. People should also avoid exposure to animal feces and fluids. Here are other tips from Ghanem:
- Wash your hands
- Avoid contaminated surfaces and any other material that has been touched or is close to the infected animal
- Don’t drink raw milk
- Eat pasteurized cheese
- Monitor yourself for symptoms
- Get vaccinated against influenza
Conclusion
Avian flu is a highly contagious and deadly disease primarily found in poultry. While it is possible to get infected with the virus, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure that food is safe to eat. By understanding how the virus is spread, how to prevent the spread, and what to do if you are exposed to the virus, you can reduce the risk of getting infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
FAQs
Q: Can I get bird flu by drinking milk?
A: No, there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food. Pasteurized milk and other dairy products are safe to consume.
Q: Will eating eggs make me sick?
A: All egg products are pasteurized as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, eggs that are still in their shells aren’t required to be pasteurized, leading to potential health risks if eaten raw or uncooked.
Q: Is chicken safe to eat?
A: Yes, chicken is safe to eat if it’s properly cooked. During an avian flu outbreak, the chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is low, because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards in place.
