Am I At Risk For Avian Influenza?
A virus, such as the bird flu, usually infects a specific species which in this case is birds. However, the H5N1 bird flu virus has been confirmed to have caused over 200 cases of human infection. Currently the avian influenza virus is almost exclusively a bird infecting disease, not yet capable of infecting humans through human to human contact. Individuals who have become infected by the avian influenza virus have had direct contact with infected poultry.There is much concern that the H5N1 avian influenza A virus will mutate into a form that is infectious to humans, spreading easily from person to person. However, this has yet to occur.
Am I at risk for developing an infection from the avian influenza virus?
Currently, most cases of H5N1 avian influenza infections involving humans have been attributed entirely to individuals who have been in close or direct contact with sick poultry. Individuals who are not in close contact with domestic or wild birds are not at risk at this time.
Many cases of human avian influenza infection occurred in rural or periurban areas in which farmers keep small backyard flocks of poultry. These birds often roam freely indoors and outdoors, sometimes entering areas where children play or sleep. Butchering, de-feathering, slaughtering, and preparing poultry are considered to be the most likely occurrence of exposure.
What risk does this pose?
Infected birds will excrete large quantities of the influenza virus in secretions such as saliva, nasal mucous, and feces. This creates an abundant opportunity for exposure to the influenza virus through infected secretions, contaminated materials, or an environment that is contaminated. Children should be educated not to touch sick or dead birds. Infected or dead birds should also be reported immediately to the proper health officials.
Can I become infected with the avian influenza virus by preparing or eating poultry?
Currently no evidence exists that properly cooked poultry or eggs will cause infection by the bird flu virus. Poultry and poultry products are properly and thoroughly cooked using temperatures of 70°C in all parts of the food to kill the virus. Proper cooked poultry should show no evidence of pink parts or undercooked areas, while eggs should not be runny including the yolk.
No evidence exists of individuals becoming infected by the bird flu virus through safely handled poultry. Individuals who properly handle poultry or eggs will not become infected by the bird flu virus. Poultry and eggs contaminated by the bird flu virus would be free of infection through proper cooking of poultry and eggs.
Studies have shown the methods for cooking poultry and eggs that are endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration will destroy the bird flu virus as well. Here are a few tips for handling poultry products.
- You should always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw poultry products.
- Cutting boards and other utensils should be cleaned using soap and hot water. This prevents the poultry from contaminating other foods when the utensil is used again.
- Poultry should be cooked to a temperature of at least 165°F. A food thermometer can help you determine this.
- Eggs should be cooked until the whites and yolks are firm.
The government controls imported food products and domestic products. In 2004, the government issued a ban on the importation of poultry from any of the countries that have been affected by the H5N1 avian influenza virus as well as other avian influenza viruses. At this time, the ban remains.
Is it safe to keep a small flock of chickens?
At this time, there is no need to dispose of or destroy your flock because of the avian influenza or bird flu virus. Any potential infections in poultry or poultry products by infectious diseases such as the bird flu virus are carefully monitored by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Are there any precautions that should be taken to decrease the risk of infection of the bird flu virus in wild birds?
To date, there have been no reports of infection in wild birds or domestic birds by the H5N1 bird flu virus. In the future, that may change considerably. At this time, I suggest not touching any wildlife if possible. If contact is made, immediately wash your hands. Any diseased or dead wildlife should be reported immediately by contacting your state, tribal, or federal natural resource agency.
I am a hunter. What precautions should I take to prevent infection with the H5N1 bird flu virus?
The National Wildlife Health Center recommends hunters follow these precautions:
- Wear disposable gloves when handling or cleaning game
- Do not handle sick game
- Do not eat sick game
- Do not smoke when handling game
- Do not eat when handling game
- Do not drink when handling game
- Thoroughly cook all game
References:
1. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu); CDC
2. Avian Influenza: am I at risk; WHO
