With the news of bird flu outbreak in San Luis, Pampanga and recently in Jaen and San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, there's fear of the public over poultry products, particularly chicken and eggs.
We can't blame them because as I have remember back in 2013, the first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu happened. There are over 700 human infections reported primarily from 15 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu, or avian flu (influenza), pertains to a group of infectious diseases caused by influenza viruses that infect bird and make them sick. H5N1 is one subtype of bird flu.
Bird flu virus affects chicken and other animals with wings, which means it does not directly affects human. But in some cases, it can be transferable and be fatal in 60 percent of cases. Symptoms include blood in sputum, a high fever, headache and upset stomach. Antiviral medication can help reduce the impact of the disease.
Amidst the bird flu breakout now, it is still safe to eat chicken and other poultry products. Here are how to prevent bird flu contamination:
1. Follow the four basic food safety steps: CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK and CHILL. Do proper processing, handling and cooking of poultry. Cook chicken meat and egg properly. Avoid eating raw or half cooked egg, it must be hard boiled.
2. Buy poultry products only from trusted stores and outlets. It is important to know the source of chicken and eggs. Being part of Bounty Fresh Food, Inc, we guarantee are chicken and eggs are safe.
3. Observe proper sanitation and good hygiene. Wash hands before and after eating.
4. Strengthen your immune system. Eat the right kind of food and exercise daily.
5. Avoid going near poultry houses, farms, live poultry markets and same places with improper ventilation.
6. If you can't avoid exposing your self to birds and chickens, have a flu shot vaccine.
7. See a doctor and have yourself check if you are feeling not well after exposure to birds or chicken.
8. Be observant and report immediately any incident of not ordinary death of birds and chickens in your area.
So it's still safe to eat chicken, eggs and other poultry products. Just follow these tips on how to prevent bird flu contamination.
Be safe.