Yes, eating properly handled and cooked poultry is safe. The World Health Organization states that there is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection. Currently, the U.S. has banned imported poultry from countries affected by bird flu.

What are the proper steps to handle and prepare poultry and eggs safely?

• Wash your hands vigorously before and after handling raw poultry.
• Prevent cross contamination. Keep raw poultry away from other foods.
• Wash cutting boards, knives, utensils, and counter tops with warm soapy water. Sanitize contaminated surfaces by using a solution of 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach in 1 quart of water.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure proper cooking temperatures (180° for whole poultry, legs and thighs, 170° for breasts). Cook eggs until firm.

What is bird flu?

Bird flu is an infectious respiratory viral disease that can infect all species of birds. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds are carriers of viruses but usually do not get sick from them. Bird flu is very contagious among domestic poultry.

What causes bird flu?

Bird flu is caused by different subtypes of influenza A virus affecting chickens, ducks, and other birds. Viruses which cause mild disease can mutate into viruses that can cause serious disease (highly pathogenic). Presently, all outbreaks of the highly pathogenic form have been caused by Influenza A/H5N1 virus.

Why are health agencies worried about H5N1 avian influenza virus?

All influenza viruses have the ability to change and mutate. Scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could adapt (mutate) and then be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another. Once this adaptation occurs, it will no longer be a bird virus; it will be a human influenza virus.

What is the risk to humans from this H5N1 bird flu?

Currently, the risk to people from H5N1 is very low because this is an avian influenza virus that occurs mainly among birds and does not usually infect humans. During an outbreak of H5N1 among poultry, there is a risk to people who have direct contact with infected birds or the surfaces that have been contaminated by the infected birds.