Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

• The danger is greater if human beings inhale the infected material or come into contact with bird droppings.
• Do not eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
• Don't go to poultry farms and markets where birds are sold when there is an outbreak of the epidemic.Avoid unnecessary contact with Bird Flu infected animals or humans.
• Wear full protective equipment when cleaning suspected Bird Flu infected animal enclosures, particularly chicken pens.
• Boil all suspected Bird Flu contaminated drinking water, especially drinking water. Water collected from house roofs or open ponds, lakes and rivers maybe infected from bird droppings. Do not bathe or swim in open ponds, lakes or rivers where water birds gather.
• Do not transport live or dead chickens, ducks or other poultry from one place to another even if you think your birds are healthy.

• check your temperature for 7 days at least once daily. If you develop a high temperature (>37.5°C), visit a doctor or the nearest health care facility immediately.

• Make sure to keep children away from dead or sick poultry.
• Dead birds and their faeces should be buried safely. Try to avoid generating dust while burying 
• It is advisable to avoid frozen food as the bird flu virus can survive for a long time. 
• Always use masks, goggles, gloves, gown and cap when near infected patients and always wash hands with alcohol afterwards (even light bleach followed by soap if no alcohol is available). 
• Stay at least 1 to 2 metres away from a suspected infected person when talking.
• Always sterilise all clothing and other objects that have been in the same room or area as an infected person, bird or animal.
• People who have flu-like illness should take additional precautions.
• All food should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 70°C or above.