Bird flu update: Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?

Bird flu update: Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development has released an official statement concerning the recent bird flu outbreak.

Bird flu is chicken safe to eat in SA
iStock/Nacho Mena

It has recently been confirmed that five commercial chicken farms have been affected by high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu, in the Western Cape.

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The highly contagious viral disease is a major concern for both domestic and wild bird populations and poses a serious threat to the commercial chicken industry.

While it is important to make sure the situation is handled as soon as possible to ensure no further spread of the disease, it is important to note that the HPAI cannot be transmitted to humans.

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Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo, has released the following statement to ease any South Africans' concerns about consuming chicken and eggs:

The department of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALRRD) release statement about bird flu in Western Cape
The department of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALRRD)

For the time being, you can still enjoy your bacon and eggs or your favourite fast food bucket.

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Main image courtesy of iStock/Nacho Mena

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