Is there a risk of becoming infected with avian influenza by eating poultry or eggs?
EU guidelines state: There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for avian influenza viruses. You can only catch avian influenza from raw poultry products which have been infected. Q There are swans in my local park. Should I take the children there? Professor John Oxford, professor of virology at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital, says: Even if you walk by a duck pond, you are not getting close enough to risk becoming infected – you would have to drink a couple of gallons of the water, dive into the pond or grab hold of one of the infected ducks. Q Should I still put out bread for the wild birds? Dr Paul Walton, species and habitat policy officer for the RSPB, says: If people are feeding birds in their gardens then they should adopt the standard hygiene methods, which is make sure the bird table is kept clean and wash your hands. Q If bird droppings land on my car, can I clean it off? Freda Scott-Park, president of the British Ve
