Bird Flu And Salmonella

Avian influenza vaccines are strain specific. They may only be obtained and used with special permission from state and federal animal health authorities. Vaccinating poultry is only done under very special circumstances. Use of vaccine may complicate testing for avian influenza. The spread of high pathogenic avian influenza virus from birds to people results from extensive human contact with infected birds. Low pathogenic avian influenza viruses present a much lower health risk. Some low pathogenic strains may cause eye infection in humans while other strains cause no symptoms at all. Avian influenza virus and other viruses and bacteria is quickly and effectively deactivated by proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs. Wild birds especially waterfowl are the natural hosts for the virus. Susceptible birds become infected when they contact the virus by being exposed to nasal respiratory secretions or fecal material from infected birds. I would recommend that you not put out wild bird feeders or bird baths if you keep poultry. I have a couple of sparrow traps that I use to relocate pest birds. If a chicken acts or looks sick I usually destroy it, not wanting to take any chances of it spreading health problems to my flocks. I do not worry much about the bird flu because it is not widespread in the USA. If you worry about avian influenza use a meat thermometer and make certain your meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees and your eggs are thoroughly cooked. Its also a good idea if you purchase eggs from a store to wash them with soap and water once you get home to avoid salmonella. Bacteria can be on the outside of a shell egg. That’s because the egg exits the hen’s body through the same passageway as feces is excreted. That’s why eggs are washed and sanitized at the processing plant. Bacteria can be inside an uncracked egg. Contamination of eggs may be due to bacteria within the hens ovary or oviduct before the shell forms around the yolk and white. It is also possible for eggs to become infected by Salmonella Enteritidis fecal contamination through the pores in the shells after they’re laid.