When bird flu risk is greatest
NST, 6 Dec 2005

ROME, Mon. --- Humans are at risk from contracting bird flu from chicken and other poultry during the slaughter and handling of diseased birds, two UN bodies said today in a statement which reiterated that poultry is safe to eat if properly cooked.

“In killing and preparing a live bird for food, slaughtering poses the greatest risk of passing the virus from infected or diseased birds to humans”, the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization said in a joint statement.

Exposure to the virus may occur through inhaling in dust and contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus, they said. --- AFP.