Can you eat chicken after bird flu? 5 Q&A with an expert
The occasional outbreak of bird flu in different parts of the country has increased concern and confusion among consumers. As soon as the news of an infection being confirmed in a farm is made public, the same question arises in the minds of many people, is it safe to eat chicken now?
The answers to these questions are as follows:
1. How does bird flu spread to humans? Who is at higher risk?
Bird flu can be transmitted to humans through the feces, saliva, feathers, or body fluids of infected birds. People who work on farms, slaughter chickens, handle dead birds, or clean infected cages are especially at risk. The virus can also enter the body by mixing with contaminated dust or air.
However, there is no disease that can be easily spread from person to person yet.
2. Can you eat bird flu-infected chicken?
If it is cooked well, the virus cannot survive, which does not pose a risk of infection. However, raw or undercooked meat remains a risk.
The virus is inactivated at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. Therefore, there is no need to worry if meat and eggs are cooked well. However, it is necessary to wash hands with soap and water after touching raw meat, separate raw and cooked food, and pay attention to hygiene in the kitchen.
However, according to international public health standards, it is considered risky to allow infected animals to enter the food chain. If infection is confirmed according to the standards, chicken meat is not suitable for consumption. Therefore, even if the virus is likely to be destroyed, it is not recommended to eat infected chicken meat.
According to international public health standards, it is considered risky to allow infected animals to enter the food chain. If infection is confirmed according to the standards, chicken meat is not suitable for consumption.
3. How to recognize chickens with bird flu? What do they look like?
Sudden death of many chickens, reduced feed intake, lethargy, reduced egg production, difficulty breathing, or swollen heads are the main signs of bird flu. If such symptoms are observed, the veterinary service office should be immediately reported. Hiding the infection can increase the risk.
4. How can chickens with bird flu reach the market?
Under normal circumstances, government agencies take control of chickens in areas where the infection has been confirmed and arrange for their destruction. In addition, surveillance is increased in such areas and sales and distribution are prohibited.
However, in some cases, due to lack of information, negligence, or attempts to reduce financial losses, there is a risk of hiding infected or suspicious chickens and selling them. For this reason, consumers should not buy meat from random sources.
It is wise to buy meat only from reliable, approved, and regularly monitored stores.
5. Should you stop eating all chicken meat after bird flu is detected?
Not necessarily. Just because bird flu has been detected does not mean that all chicken meat is unsafe. Chicken and its products produced from farms that have been certified by the relevant body as disease-free and safe can be consumed normally.
What precautions should consumers take?
When purchasing chicken, one should pay attention to its source. Chicken that is sick, has died unnaturally, or looks suspicious should not be used.
Special attention should be paid to hygiene while cutting, washing, and cooking meat. Utensils, knives, cutting boards, and hands that have come into contact with raw meat should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Ensure that the meat is fully cooked. Such general precautions help prevent various foodborne infections.
However, chicken meat from confirmed, suspected, or controlled areas should not be used. Consumers should make decisions based on official information and advice from health authorities.
