Are Australians safe to eat chicken meat and eggs under current guidance?

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Australians are safe to eat chicken meat and eggs under current guidance
Australian agricultural minister Julie Collins said there is currently no threat to humans from the H5N1 bird flu. She also confirmed that chicken meat and eggs, when prepared normally, are perfectly safe to eat, under the current guidance.
Julie Collins said there is no threat to humans from H5N1
Collins stated that authorities are seeing H5N1 bird flu activity in animals, including confirmed cases in states such as South Australia, but that this does not pose a human threat at present. Her comments were directed at public safety concerns about exposure to the virus.
Chicken meat and eggs are considered safe when prepared normally
Collins specifically said chicken meat and eggs, as prepared normally, are perfectly safe to eat. This guidance focuses on how food is handled and prepared in the usual way, rather than on any special restriction for consumers.
Surveillance and testing were increased after a second state reported cases
Authorities in Australia ramped up surveillance and testing after a second state reported a case of highly pathogenic H5N1. South Australia carried out ground-based surveillance and drone surveys at sea lion breeding sites, while testing frequency was increased in high-risk areas.
Papua New Guinea’s import ban does not change Australia’s consumer guidance
Papua New Guinea suspended poultry imports from Australia after Australia’s cases were confirmed, with the ban covering poultry meat and products. The agriculture department said the ban was imposed despite the poultry sector remaining free of bird flu, while also engaging with Papua New Guinea to resolve the issue.

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Are Australians safe to eat chicken meat and eggs under current guidance?

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