Does Bird Flu Affect My Food?

Bird flu (avian influenza) has become an increased concern in the health community throughout the United States.

Within the past year, the disease has spread to cattle, and 68 people in North America have become ill from the disease and one has died.

The thought of the potential risk of contracting the disease from store-bought foods prepared and consumed at home is concerning to many consumers.

Here, UConn Extension educators provide information on how to prevent risk from bird flu exposure and how to prepare food properly to ensure food safety.

What is Bird Flu and How Does it Spread?

"Bird flu" is the name that has been used to describe a disease caused by the avian influenza virus (H5N1). It can spread among wild birds, poultry, cattle, pigs, and other animals.

Although uncommon, in a few cases the avian influenza virus has crossed over and caused illness in people. Human infection can occur through contact with bodily fluids or feces (poop) of infected birds or animals, and from touching surfaces that have been in contact with infected birds or animals.

Farm workers, hunters, and people who handle birds and animals for pets or livestock can be a risk for bird flu.

How Can I Protect Myself from Bird Flu?

Those who attend agricultural fairs, or visit farms should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling or petting birds and animals. Many areas have placed tighter restrictions on events such as petting zoos to minimize risk.

Proper food safety practices including hand washing and kitchen hygiene reduce the risk and spread of foodborne illnesses, including bird flu.

Thoroughly cooking poultry and meats kills harmful bacteria and viruses. Safely prepared and cooked poultry are safe to eat.

Proper food safety practices are important every day. In addition to proper processing, proper handling and cooking of poultry provides protection from viruses and bacteria, including bird flu.

Consuming raw milk can be risky because raw milk may contain viruses and bacteria. Pasteurization, a heat treatment process, effectively kills these harmful viruses and bacteria.

How to Prepare Foods Safely

Remember, follow these four basic food safety steps: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.

• Cook poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ground beef should have a cooked temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Whole cuts of beef should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit after resting for three minutes.
• Keep raw poultry and meats separated from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
• Thoroughly wash all surfaces, utensils, and hands after handling raw and cooked foods.