Avian influenza (bird flu)

Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a disease of birds caused by influenza (flu) viruses closely related to human flu viruses. Transmission to humans in close contact with poultry or other birds occurs rarely and only with some strains of avian influenza.

Most cases of human infection with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza have been in south east Asia.

Is it safe to eat poultry or game?

On the basis of current scientific evidence, the Food Standards Agency advises that avian flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. This is because for people, the risk of catching the disease is from being in close contact with live poultry that have the disease and not through eating cooked poultry, game or eggs.

For more information about avian influenza use the links below.