Virus Scare

Bird Flu: Is It Safe To Eat Chicken & Eggs Now? Know What WHO Says

By
OB Bureau

New Delhi: Four states including Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan have confirmed the outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu.

The Centre has issued an advisory and set up a control room in New Delhi to monitor the situation and restrain the spread. However, no cases of bird flu transmission in humans have been reported in the country yet, NDTV reported.

What is bird flu?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is a type of influenza virus (H5N1 virus) that causes severe respiratory disease in birds.

Bird flu cases in human occur occasionally. It transmits in humans when the person gets in close contact with the dead or live bird, affected with the H5N1 virus. However, person to person transmission of the infection has not been reported yet.

Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs now?

“It is safe to eat properly prepared and cooked poultry and game birds,” according to a statement on the WHO website.

The virus is said to be heat sensitive; hence cooking your food in at least 70°C (normal cooking temperature) can kill the virus. WHO further recommends preparing chicken, eggs, etc. following complete hygiene practise.

“A large number of human infections with the H5N1 virus have been linked to the home slaughter and subsequent handling of diseased or dead birds prior to cooking. These practices represent the highest risk of human infection and are the most important to avoid,” WHO stated.

‘Nothing To Worry’

Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Minister Giriraj Singh recently stated that there’s nothing to worry about the situation. One needs to cook meat and egg completely before eating to avoid any complication.

“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,” he said.

Also Read: Bird Flu Scare: Odisha Govt Opens Control Room

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

Celebrity Divorces: Why They Never Fail To Pique Our Curiosity

Celebrity couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya apparently have some problems in their marriage. As news…

November 22, 2024

Allegation Not Based On Facts, Odisha Different From Other States: BJD In Adani Bribery Case

Bhubaneswar: A day after indictment of Gautam Adani in the US in a fraud scheme,…

November 22, 2024

Donald Trump Nominates Pam Bondi As US Attorney General After Controversial Matt Gaetz Withdraws

New York: US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday nominated Pam Bondi, the former attorney general…

November 22, 2024

Ganja Smuggling Under Garb Of Seasonal Business Busted In Odisha’s Koraput; 6 Held

Koraput: Police on Friday claimed to have busted a ganja smuggling racket being carried out…

November 22, 2024

Gautam Adani Indictment: Here’s What Sagar Adani’s ‘Encrypted Bribe Notes’ Messages Revealed

New York: The recent indictment of top executives of Adani Group, including its chairperson Gautam…

November 22, 2024

OTET-2024 Result Declared In Odisha; Steps To Check On BSE Website

Bhubaneswar: The result of the Odisha Teacher's Eligibility Test (OTET)-2024 was announced on Friday. The…

November 22, 2024

Director Bobby Islam & Actor Manoj Mishra Scuffle Near Bhubaneswar DCP Office

Bhubaneswar: An attempt for an amicable settlement of the dispute, involving Ollywood director Bobby Islam…

November 22, 2024

Low Pressure Over Bay Likely Tomorrow; Rain Forecast For Odisha, Night Temp To Rise Further

Bhubaneswar: Dense fog occurred at one or two places in Sundargarh and shallow to moderate…

November 22, 2024