How dangerous is the current bird flu for humans really?

Contagious bird flu: may be eaten eggs and poultry?
Currently, a variant of avian influenza continues to spread in Germany. In some regions, therefore, the first protective measures have already been taken. Many citizens are worried. But how dangerous is avian influenza? Is she also contagious to humans? May eggs and poultry meat be consumed?

Extension of the stable obligation
At present, the avian influenza virus H5N8 is rife in Germany. For poultry it is highly contagious. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) therefore advises "to pay more attention and strongly recommends that biosafety measures in poultry farms be reviewed and, if necessary, optimized. In particular, the contact of wild birds to poultry should be prevented. "The president of the FLI may consider an expansion of the stable obligation useful. "Ultimately, however, each federal state decides for itself about the risk assessment." But also people need to be afraid of infection?

In some regions of Germany, bird flu continues to spread. Many citizens are worried and wonder if the H5N8 virus is also contagious to humans. (Image: animaflora / fotolia.com)

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 "theoretically conceivable, but unlikely".

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.

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)