According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand, there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through properly cooked chicken and eggs.
Australia’s food safety regulator confirms that bird flu is not a food safety concern, and it is safe to consume properly cooked chicken, eggs, and egg products.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand reassures that there is no evidence of virus transmission through properly prepared and handled food.
This confirmation comes after the detection of the highly pathogenic H7N3 strain of bird flu at several Victorian properties, resulting in the culling of birds.
Dr. Sandra Cuthbert, the CEO of FSANZ, emphasizes that Australia’s stringent biosecurity and food regulation systems ensure the safety of the food supply.
She explains that measures taken to contain the spread of the disease among birds are not related to managing food safety.
Proper storage, handling, and preparation of food are always important to reduce food safety risks, she adds.
Supermarkets Working To Maintain Egg Supply
Coles has imposed a temporary limit of two egg cartons per customer due to the bird flu outbreak, citing a shortage of egg supply.
A Coles spokesperson mentions that the supermarket is collaborating with suppliers to ensure eggs remain available to customers while supporting the industry.
Woolworths, on the other hand, has not experienced significant concerns from its suppliers regarding the impact of the bird flu situation in Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria assures consumers that eggs and poultry products are safe to consume and do not pose a risk.
Avian Influenza Detected at 7th Farm
The seventh Victorian farm has confirmed avian influenza, with movement restrictions already in place and all poultry to be disposed of under veterinary supervision.
Victoria’s chief veterinary officer, Graeme Cooke, mentions that movement restrictions will be in place for several weeks to support poultry farmers facing logistical challenges.
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt reveals that one million egg-laying hens in Australia have been euthanised or are in the process of being euthanised to prevent the spread of the virus.
How is Bird Flu Caused?
Professor Cassandra Berry from Murdoch University explains that bird flu is caused by various influenza type A viruses that primarily infect birds.
Some of these viruses are highly pathogenic, with the difference lying in the cleavage site of the spike protein on the virus surface.
She further elaborates that the cleavage determination allows the virus to infect cells in different tissues and organs, making it more pathogenic if easily cleaved by proteases.
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