The rising cases of bird flu in India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have raised concerns regarding the safety of poultry product consumption. From 1st January to 14th February, around 7200 birds were culled, and around 2230 eggs were destroyed in seven bird flu (Avian influenza) affected areas in Maharashtra. This concern is not only prevalent in India, but it also becomes a worldwide problem. As per the data of the United Nations, Avian influenza has led to the death of over 300 million birds across the world.
Amid this increasing concern, the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has given relief from the panic by announcing that well-cooked chicken and eggs in high temperatures are safe to consume.Most of the cases in India are found to be reported in the backyard and unorganised poultry farms while the organised sector is getting relief from the outbreak to some extent. The poultry farms are subject to face significant loss due to sudden deaths of chickens due to the infection. However, apart from chicken, the death of cats has also been reported in recent outbreaks.
Understanding bird flu
Bird flu, which is also known as Avian influenza is referred to as a viral infection which is generally found to be spread in birds like chickens and ducks and other animals like cows. However, in rare cases, humans can also be affected by avian influenza especially when people closely work with birds. For most human cases, the H5N1 strain of the virus is responsible. In normal cases, the symptoms of avian influenza in humans are similar to the symptoms of regular flu, including cough, fever, weakness, and sore throat. Nevertheless, in severe cases, serious respiratory problems can arise in humans.
Transmission of bird flu
Direct contact with infected birds whether it is domestic or wild, is the key way of the transmission of the avian influenza virus. It may be spread through bird droppings, nasal secretions, saliva and contaminated feed or water. As a prominent carrier, migratory birds are also responsible for transmitting the H5N1 virus across various areas, which leads to the increase in bird flu outbreaks in poultry farms.
Though there is a rare chance of transmitting avian influenza in humans, it should not be completely ignored. Managing sick, infected or dead birds and working in poultry farms and live bird markets pose a potential threat to humans. There is a possibility of having the virus on surfaces in the workplace, such as equipment, bird cages, and clothing. Exposure to these surfaces and, after that, touching the nose, eyes, or mouth can increase the risk of infection. However, in rare cases, transmission through air is possible when working in enclosed poultry farm spaces having infected birds. Consumption of undercooked or raw meat or eggs which come from the infected birds can pose the risk of infection.
Initiatives taken by the government for the prevention of bird flu
In order to prevent the outbreak, health officials have undertaken several strict precautionary measures, such as culling and destroying thousands of poultry birds and eggs. Moreover, most poultry farms and chicken shops in affected areas are asked to close their operations for a short period. Local authorities have imposed a ban on the sale and transportation of poultry products in affected regions to control the situation.
Additionally, in order to manage and control the health status of wildlife and captive animals in zoos, issuing a circular, the Central Zoo Authority asked all zoos to ensure compliance with the “National Action Plan” in relation to “Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza”. States are advised to ensure strict surveillance for Leopards, Tigers, and other wildfires and birds available in the Zoo, along with the immediate reporting of unusual death or mortality.
Whether chicken and egg consumption is safe during a bird flu outbreak
Many people are found to be hesitant regarding the consumption of poultry products during a bird flu outbreak because of the fear of potential infection. However, there is no need to panic to eat chicken and eggs if those are properly cooked at high temperatures. Health experts including India’s Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO), have assured that the transmission of bird flu is not possible through properly cooked dishes or poultry products.
The avian influenza virus is found to be sensitive to high temperatures. It means if there is any avian influenza virus in the chicken or eggs, those will be killed in the cooking process with sufficient heat. Therefore ensuring a temperature of 165°F during the cooking is the key for the prevention of potential risks.
Things need to be considered before consuming chicken and eggs.
1. Chicken and eggs should be cooked properly before consumption. An internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) should be maintained during cooking the chicken to ensure it is safe for consumption. This sufficient temperature is needed to kill any type of harmful bacteria or viruses.
2. It is advised not to consume undercooked or raw chicken. It is better to avoid undercooked chicken and dishes like raw chicken salads, especially when there is a bird flu outbreak.
3. The aspects of cleanliness and hygiene should always be prioritised. People should wash their hands properly with clean water and soap after getting in touch with raw chickens or eggs. Kitchen elements such as cutting boards, utensils, and any surfaces which come into contact with raw poultry must also be properly cleaned for the prevention of cross-contamination.
4. People should focus on purchasing chicken and eggs from reliable sources such as well-known supermarkets or any local grocery shop, maintaining high quality and hygiene standards. Fresh and properly stored products have minimal risks of having any harmful viruses.
5. Lastly, people should be well-informed about the health advisories from local authorities. They often provide many other safety tips, precautionary measures and recommendations for the enhanced safety of customers.
FAQ
1. Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs during a bird flu outbreak?
Yes, there is no need to panic to eat chicken and eggs if those are properly cooked at high temperatures. Health experts including India’s Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO), have assured that the transmission of avian influenza virus is not possible through properly cooked dishes or poultry products.
2. What temperature should chicken and eggs be cooked to for safety?
Ensuring a temperature of 165°F (74°C) during the cooking is the key to the prevention of potential risks.
3. Can bird flu be transmitted through properly cooked chicken and eggs?
No, the avian influenza virus is found to be sensitive to high temperatures. It means if there is any avian influenza virus in the chicken or eggs, those will be killed in the cooking process with sufficient heat.
4. What precautions are being taken by the government to prevent the outbreaks?
Health officials have undertaken several strict precautionary measures, such as culling and destroying thousands of poultry birds and eggs. Moreover, most poultry farms and chicken shops in affected areas are asked to close their operations for a short period. Local authorities have imposed a ban on the sale and transportation of poultry products in affected regions to control the situation.
5. Is it safe to buy chicken and eggs from local markets during avian influenza outbreak?
People should focus on purchasing chicken and eggs from reliable sources such as well-known supermarkets, or any local grocery shop maintaining high quality and hygiene standards. Fresh and properly stored products have minimal risks of having any harmful viruses.
