How do people become infected by diseased birds?
Bird to human transmission of the disease is not common. It happens mainly through direct contact with infected poultry or with surfaces and objects contaminated by their feces. Meal preparation with poultry and poultry products is safe when done with careful hygiene, when meat juices are kept from contact with other foods usually eaten raw, and when cooking is thorough. The virus is heat sensitive and will not survive when meat is cooked to 180°F.
