Worried about avian influenza Can poultry meat still be eaten?

Current bird flu outbreak: Virus transmission by eating poultry meat?
In Germany, bird flu is spreading rapidly. Some citizens are insecure; they prefer to leave the hands of poultry meat. But is it possible to be infected by the consumption of meat products with avian influenza?

Virus transmission through the consumption of meat is unlikely
After the spread of bird flu in Germany, there has been widespread fear that eating poultry could be dangerous. But experts are giving the all-clear. According to a report from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), virus transmission (H5N8) from the consumption of poultry meat and poultry meat products is unlikely.

The fear of contagion from bird flu over poultry meat is unfounded. A transmission of the virus by the consumption of meat is unlikely according to experts. Nevertheless, certain hygiene rules should be observed. (Image: karepa / fotolia.com)

No human H5N8 infection known
As the experts write, a virus of subtype H5N8 was detected in the current outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (avian influenza) in wild poultry. Meanwhile, it is known that this pathogen was also found in a factory farming in Schleswig-Holstein, which is why there are culled in a farm 30,000 chickens.

Although infections of humans with H5N8 are not yet known. But other viruses, such as H7N9, have been proven to be transmissible to humans and can cause typical bird flu symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat.

Poultry can be eaten
According to BfR transmission of the pathogen (H5N8) on infected food is theoretically conceivable, but unlikely. "The transmission of other subtypes (H5N1, H7N9) of avian influenza viruses from humans to humans has been almost exclusively due to direct contact with infected live poultry in the past," the statement said.

Already at the last outbreak of bird flu in Germany, experts had pointed out that poultry can be eaten.

So far, there is no evidence of the possibility of human infection by raw eggs or raw sausage products with poultry meat from infected animals. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to compliance with hygiene rules in the handling and preparation of raw poultry and poultry products. Also against the background that poultry meat is often contaminated with germs.

Comply with general hygiene rules
Hygiene is especially important for some foods. Raw poultry products and other foods should be stored and prepared separately, especially if the latter are not reheated.

Always clean equipment and surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry products with warm water and detergent. Packaging materials, thawing water and the like should always be disposed of immediately. Wash hands with warm water and soap.

Always thoroughly cook food with poultry meat, so heat to a core temperature of 70 degrees for at least two minutes. According to BfR, eggs should be cooked before consumption until egg whites and egg yolk are firm, i. depending on the size for at least six minutes. (Ad)