If you’ve heard about birds dying from bird flu (avian influenza) in your area, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to eat chicken and eggs. The good news is that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat, but it’s important to take certain precautions to protect yourself and your family.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is a viral infection that primarily affects birds, including chickens, ducks, and wild birds. Some strains of the virus can occasionally infect humans, usually through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings. However, transmission through consuming properly cooked chicken or eggs has not been reported.
Can I Eat Chicken and Eggs During a Bird Flu Outbreak?
Yes, as long as they are properly cooked. The bird flu virus does not survive high temperatures, so cooking poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) effectively kills the virus. Similarly, eggs should be fully cooked, meaning no runny yolks.
Precautions to Take:
✔ Buy poultry from reliable sources – Avoid meat from sick or dead birds. Purchase chicken and eggs from trusted markets or suppliers following safety standards.
✔ Cook thoroughly – Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and eggs are fully cooked. Avoid raw or undercooked poultry and eggs.
✔ Practice good hygiene – Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling raw chicken or eggs. Clean cutting boards, knives, and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
✔ Avoid handling sick or dead birds – If you raise poultry or see dead birds in your area, avoid direct contact and report to local authorities.
✔ Monitor your health – While human infections are rare, if you develop fever, cough, or breathing difficulties after exposure to sick birds, seek medical attention immediately.
Who Should Be Extra Careful?
People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and older adultsshould take extra precautions and avoid any potential exposure to infected birds.
Summary
Even if bird flu is spreading among birds in your area, properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to eat. By following food safety measures and maintaining good hygiene, you can continue enjoying poultry without risk. If in doubt, always buy from trusted sources and cook food thoroughly.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
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