Poultry in the US to be tested for Bird Flu

Poultry in the US to be tested for Bird Flu

Most of the big chicken companies in the US will test each flock that is raised, for the harmful strains of avian flu. This move comes in wake of the spread of bird flu in Asia and the resulting human fatalities.

According to the National Chicken Council (NCC), most of the major companies involved in raising chicken have joined a voluntary program to test their flocks for avian influenza.

Millions of poultry in Asia and some parts of Europe have been infected by a deadly strain of bird flu. The flu has killed up to 74 people till now. Though the strain has not been detected in the poultry in America ever, but there still is a risk of spreading through the migratory birds. “We just want to assure people of the safety of the food supply,” said Richard L. Lobb, spokesman for the council.

The poultry consumption in the US has not been affected by the international scenario. Experts at the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention believe that it is O.K. to consume chicken that has been cooked in a proper manner.

A sample of 11 chickens will be taken from each flock that generally consists of 55,000 to 60,000 birds and will be tested according to the standard procedures of the National Poultry Improvement Plan. With almost 150,000 chickens being produced annually, as many as 1.6 million chickens would undergo the tests.

“Through comprehensive testing covering all flocks, chicken companies will add another layer to the multiple barriers that already exist to protect American consumers and continue to ensure safety and quality of the food supply,” said Stephen Pretanik, the NCC's director of science and technology.

Any flocks detected with the harmful virus will be destroyed in a humane manner.