Research on Avian flu

I researched on Avian Flu through the net to find out what is it about. I then realised that it is actually what known as 'bird flu'. I then researched more to find out what caused it and what is so dangerous about it.

It is caused by a virus, called Avian influenza that infects wild birds and domestic poultry. They are known as low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

LPAI naturally occurs in wild birds and will spread to domestic birds, like chickens and ducks. However it causes no signs of infection in these birds. These strains are not a worry to human health=)

It is HPAI that kills:( From the website, http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/avfluqa.html#eat, i found out that HPAI spreads a lot faster than LPAI. It kills many birds and humans too.

Avian influenza (AI) is primarily spread by
1. direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds,
2.through indirect contact with contaminated materials.
The virus can be spread through the faeces of infected birds and through secretions from the nose, mouth and eyes. Therefore, the eggs of those birds are potentially hazardous too.

Research has also found that AI also can be found on egg shells and can infect the egg white and egg yolks. However airborne transmission of virus unlikely.

So, what is the virus we normally heard of, i.e. H5N1?
It is actually the mutation of HPAI that could spread easily from person to person, or chicken to person. That is why we have to control this virus, as it can kill.

Can we get avian influenza from eating poultry or eggs?
Yes, if the food have not been properly prepared. Cooking poultry and eggs to the proper temperature can prevent it though=)
For example given in our package, the eggs in pound cake. Eggs should be cooked until the yolks and whites are firm, and if temperature were to be measured, it is to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pastuerisation of eggs can be done too, to eliminate the presence of the virus.

Reference: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/avfluqa.html#eat