ABCs of Avian Flu
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
The government has confirmed the outbreak of a highly contagious avian influenza at farms in the southwestern region of the nation and concern over the safety of poultry products has been raised.
Experts say that it is safe to eat boiled chicken and duck as the virus cannot survive high temperatures. But they advise people to visit a public health center for a checkup if they have traveled to areas where farms are contaminated by the bird flu in North Jeolla Province.
The following are answers to frequent questions regarding avian influenza.
Q:
Is it safe to eat duck and chicken and their eggs?
A:
With the outbreak of bird flu, the government culled all the chickens and ducks at farms in the areas contaminated by the virus, as well as their eggs. But it is possible that there are poultry products with the virus at stores that had been obtained from contaminated farms before the confirmation of the outbreak. But if they are cooked at temperatures of over 75 degrees for more than five minutes, it's safe as the virus cannot survive a high temperatures.
Are humans at risk of contracting avian influenza?
There have been some cases where the avian influenza H5N1 strain infected humans. According to the World Health Organization, such cases have been reported in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam. People contracted the virus after eating raw flesh of ducks or chickens. But no one in Korea has been reported to be infected with the virus.
How does the virus spread and infect other creatures?
The virus mainly spreads through the excrement of migratory birds. It can also travel through air, dust and other moving objects such as cars and shoes.
Is there any medicine for the disease?
There are 144 kinds of serum for avian influenza for its various mutations. There are no cures or preventative medicines available at the moment.