Avian Flu (Bird Flu)

Avian Influenza (in birds)

Avian influenza is an infection caused by wild birds carrying avian influenza viruses. Although these wild birds carry the virus in their intestines, they do not fall ill form it. This virus is highly contagious among birds and can kill chickens, ducks and turkeys (domesticated birds).

Birds become infected with influenza virus when they come in contact with secretions/excretions from infected birds. Domesticated birds can also be infected through virus contaminated surfaces/materials.

Human Infection

Avian influenza virus can infect human too. Most cases of infection from this virus is by direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated excretions/secretions from infected birds. The spread of this virus from person to person is rare.

There are 3 known kinds “human influenza virus”, specifically H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. Some genetic parts of human influenza A viruses are said originate from birds. This virus changes constantly and can be adapted over time to spread to other fellow humans.

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, eye infections, pneumonia, and severe respiratory disease to life threatening complications.

Food Safety

Besides this, World Health Organization (WHO) has also come up with 5 guidelines to prevent foodborne disease:
1. Keep clean
2. Separate raw and cooked
3. Cook thoroughly
4. Keep food at safe temperatures
5. Use safe water and raw materials

Another known fact is that when a bird is infected, there will be a drop in egg production or eggs laid are more prone to breakage. These eggs hardly/never get to the final stage of food production line. Therefore this does not pose a big problem as to whether one will get infected consuming an infected egg. Furthermore, proper and adequate cooking time will eliminate any spread of this virus.