The Bird Flu Outbreak has given rise to lot of Misinformation and questions like if one can eat in restaurants or can we eat chicken and eggs or whats are the Bird Flu Symptoms In Humans etc. We bring you all the answers to general FAQs on Avian Influenza or Bird Flu.
Avian Influenza or better-known Bird Flu is infectious and can cause severe respiratory disease in birds. This respiratory disease caused by H5N1 influenza virus; this virus can also infect human. Wondering why this creates such a piece of hype news?
It is because of the sudden death of thousands of birds across the country, states reported the outbreak of bird flu in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan.
This bird flu or Avian Influenza is not a new term it is circulating in the whole world for centuries. India reported it first in 2006. This bird flu spread because of the migratory birds who fly to India during winter months. It infects humans but rarely, in this new outbreak, we never heard single news of human infected with this virus. When a person gets close to the dead or live infected birds then only, he may expose to the H5N1 virus, but relief is that not a single case reported of human-to-human transmission of the infection.
Bird Flu Symptoms In Humans:
- Cough
- Diarrhoea
- Respiratory difficulties
- Fever (over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Malaise
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Alert the hospital or doctors before visiting them if you have symptoms and you fear that you may expose to the bird flu virus.
How Bird Flu Affects Food Industry
This outbreak is a matter of concerning for the food industry in the country, as people try to avoid eating chickens, ducks, etc. in restaurants during bird flu. After COVID-19 lockdown restaurants are ready to stand again in the market but this outbreak can affect negatively on food Industries. I am sure that you all want to eat and party in restaurants but fearing whether it is safe to eat in restaurants during this H5N1 influenza virus outbreak, but not to worry. I am here to answer all your questions and try to put forward the facts related to Avian Influenza.
During this outbreak, it is advised to consume the poultry related items only if cooked properly. To avoid the outbreak, it is important to ensure that birds infected with the virus cannot enter into the food chain.
WHO Safety Tips
WHO says that this virus is a heat-sensitive hence, cook poultry items at 70 degree Celsius to kill the virus.
“As a standard precaution we recommend that poultry products and wild game birds should always be prepared following good hygienic practices and that poultry meat should be cooked properly”.
World Health Organization
WHO advises that humans should avoid the killing of birds and then cook it to eats as those birds can contain viruses.
AIIMs Hygienic Cooking Practices
AIIMS institute issues some hygienic cooking practices of poultry related items to minimize the risk of the bird flu outbreak.
- Avoid intake of runny eggs around the virus outbreak. Ensure that egg is fit for consumption.
- Cook eggs and meats at 70 degree Celsius to kill the H5N1 virus.
- Wash your hand for at least 20 seconds after carrying eggs or poultry items as this virus spread after came into contact with the infectious poultry.
Despite having all facts we haven’t answer your question whether it is safe to eat in restaurants during bird flu?
Don’t worry you can enjoy or party in restaurants or hotels as we see above that if we cook or prepare poultry items at 70 degree Celsius it vanishes all the viruses. It is the normal temperature we use during cooking and I am sure that every chef in the restaurant understand this.
You should only follow the do’s and don’ts list is given below:
- Avoid Half- boiled eggs
- Make sure that chicken is cooked properly
- Avoid direct contacts with dead or alive birds.
- Don’t keep raw meats in open.
- Avoid touching of birds with bare hands.
- Wash your hand for 20 seconds after touching poultry items and before eating food.
- Ensure your hygiene.
- Stay away from sick looking chickens or ducks.
Animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy minister Giriraj Singh tweeted “There are death reports of wild and migratory birds due to bird flu at some places. There is no need to panic. It is advised to fully cook meat and eggs before eating. States have been informed and are being provided with necessary help and support”
So all the health authorities in the world suggest that it is safe to consume chicken, eggs, duck, etc. when cooked at 70 degree Celsius and prepared properly. They also advised washing hands for at least 20 seconds after touching poultry items.
So, it is 100% safe to enjoy in restaurants during this influenza virus outbreak in birds.
Enjoy your day but keep in mind that coronavirus is not gone a mask and 2-meter distance is the only way to fight against covid-19.
