Avian influenza is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted from one sick bird to another in a similar way as happens with a number of ailments: inhalation of dust contaminated with faeces, contact with secretions...

The first known outbreak in humans happened in Hong Kong in 1997: 18 people were affected and 6 died. Since then, there have been other cases, especially in rural areas of Asia. In 2005, the European Commission took a number of measures: it banned poultry and poultry product imports from infected areas, an order was given to isolate farm poultry from migrating wild birds by installing nets and antiviral drugs were stockpiled.

The transmission of bird flu from birds to humans requires prolonged contact between the two species, as in the case of people who clean the family hen houses in Asia or who even live with the birds. The avian influenza virus cannot withstand temperatures above 70 ºC and, therefore, transmission does not occur through the ingestion of food but when handling raw products. But in developed countries, poultry and eggs are delivered to our homes after a highly controlled breeding and sales process. If a case should occur on a farm, it would be extremely difficult for it to reach the market. The real risk will arise if the avian influenza virus undergoes a mutation that will enable it to pass from human to human by inhalation ordirect contact, like many other diseases.

More information:

- Official website of the Ministry of the Presidency on Avian Influenza

- Frequently Asked Questions

Publications:

- Report by the AESA Scientific Committee on the risk assessment in relation to the avian influenza virus in Spain

- Agreement of the Spanish Food Safety Agency (AESA) Scientific Committee on food safety and the lack of relationship with bird flu

- Aesa News Bulletin Nº 7

Press releases:

- Note by RED INFOSAN on outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in humans and poultry: effects in terms of food safety

- Bird flu and food safety: statement by Dr LEE Jong-Wook, WHO Director General

- Bird flu and food safety: update

- EFSA has updated information in relation to avian influenza and food safety

- Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza in poultry and humans: Food safety implications.

- Avian influenza is not transmitted through food