Can avian influenza viruses be transmitted through chicken meat?
Mar 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, avian influenza virus can be transmitted to humans through undercooked chicken meat. The avian influenza virus is heat-sensitive and can be completely inactivated within a few minutes at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. Therefore, properly cooked chicken is sufficient to kill most viruses and ensures food safety. It is recommended to choose chicken from reliable food sources in daily life and avoid eating raw or undercooked chicken or egg products.
Under normal circumstances, avian influenza virus can be transmitted to humans through undercooked chicken meat. The specific analysis is as follows:
If chicken is not sufficiently heated, or during the handling of raw chicken, the virus spreads via cross-contamination to other foods or utensils, and these foods are consumed without adequate heating, avian influenza virus may be transmitted to humans through chicken. Additionally, during slaughtering or handling live poultry, improper personal protection may lead to direct contact with secretions or excretions containing the virus, thereby increasing the risk of infection.
However, avian influenza virus is sensitive to heat and can be completely inactivated within minutes at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. Therefore, properly cooked chicken is sufficient to kill most viruses, ensuring food safety. Additionally, after handling raw poultry meat, direct contact with the face should be avoided, and hands should be thoroughly washed and all used kitchen utensils and surfaces cleaned.
It is recommended to choose chicken from reliable food sources in daily life and to avoid consuming raw or undercooked chicken or egg products to ensure food safety.
