AWW
27 February 2006
Avian influenza and food safety: statement by Dr LEE Jong-Wook, WHO
Director-General
Since the beginning of February 2006, the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian
influenza virus has spread to affect wild or domestic birds in 17 new
countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The World Health Organization reconfirms that, when poultry products
are
safely handled and properly cooked, humans are not at risk of acquiring
H5N1 infection through food.
Although the H5N1 virus is highly infectious among poultry, it is not
easily transmissible to humans. Since December 2003, this virus is
known
to have infected 173 people, of whom 93 have died. Not one of these
cases
has been linked to the consumption of properly cooked poultry or
poultry
products.
The main health risk currently is to people who are in close contact
with
infected poultry, such as families with backyard flocks and poultry
workers in wet markets or live animal markets.
Heightened surveillance among domestic and wild birds, rapid detection
of
the virus, and swift implementation of control measures are important
in
supporting and maintaining consumer confidence in the safety of poultry
products.
Globally, the evidence demonstrates that there is no risk of infection
when birds and eggs are well-cooked, as this kills the virus. Poultry
products are important sources of protein throughout the world.
Aprillani Purwanto
Elanco Animal Health Indonesia
Tel. +62 21 570 7725; Fax. +62 21 570 77
Avian influenza and food safety: statement by Dr LEE Jong-Wook, WHO
Director-General
Since the beginning of February 2006, the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian
influenza virus has spread to affect wild or domestic birds in 17 new
countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The World Health Organization reconfirms that, when poultry products
are
safely handled and properly cooked, humans are not at risk of acquiring
H5N1 infection through food.
Although the H5N1 virus is highly infectious among poultry, it is not
easily transmissible to humans. Since December 2003, this virus is
known
to have infected 173 people, of whom 93 have died. Not one of these
cases
has been linked to the consumption of properly cooked poultry or
poultry
products.
The main health risk currently is to people who are in close contact
with
infected poultry, such as families with backyard flocks and poultry
workers in wet markets or live animal markets.
Heightened surveillance among domestic and wild birds, rapid detection
of
the virus, and swift implementation of control measures are important
in
supporting and maintaining consumer confidence in the safety of poultry
products.
Globally, the evidence demonstrates that there is no risk of infection
when birds and eggs are well-cooked, as this kills the virus. Poultry
products are important sources of protein throughout the world.
Aprillani Purwanto
Elanco Animal Health Indonesia
Tel. +62 21 570 7725; Fax. +62 21 570 77
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