Meat Consuming Guidelines During A Bird Flu Outbreak

Posted by maria on February 16th, 2021

After a tormenting year that 2020 was, we were hoping for a better start for 2021. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. This year began with the news about the spread of Bird Flu. The bird flu or avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease caused by influenza type A viruses and it generally affects poultry birds like chickens and turkeys. You must be wondering why the buzz if the virus only affects the poultry. Well, it can be transmitted from poultry to humans and in quite a few cases could be fatal to humans. However, that does not mean you need to stop consuming meat altogether. Here are a few meat consuming guidelines according to the poultry medicine companies and the health departments.

•          Stop eating half boiled eggs
•          Do not eat raw or undercooked meat
•          Direct contact with birds in the infected area should be avoided
•          You shouldn’t touch dead birds with your bare hands
•          Do not keep raw meat out in the open
•          Preferably use a mask and a pair of gloves while handling raw chicken
•          Frequently wash your hands
•          Make sure that your surroundings are clean and hygienic

However, the risk of getting infected can never be out of the question. Hence, it is always safe to make sure the vaccination for chicken is completed at the poultry farm you eat your meat from. Also, keep an eye on the following symptoms which may indicate that you are infected.

•          Cough
•          Fever
•          Sore throat
•          Muscle aches
•          Headache
•          Shortness of breath

Consult your doctor immediately if you show any of these symptoms, especially more so if you have traveled to a part of the world where bird flu has spread.

The bottom line is, as long as antibiotics poultry are administered on time, and you cook the meat properly at an appropriate temperature, it is safe to consume poultry meat without much worry. Don’t let the fear of bird flu affect your diet. Savor your favorite food by simply following a few easy guidelines that will keep you and your loved ones safe.