Current avian influenza case in Germany: Virus transmission (H5N8) from poultry food consumption is unlikely

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In Germany, cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (often referred to as bird flu) were
found in wild birds and domestic poultry, caused by a virus of the H5N8 subtype. According
to the current state of scientific knowledge, it is unlikely that the pathogen can be transmitted
to humans via food.
In the past, direct contact with infected live poultry was almost exclusively responsible for the transmission of other avian influenza viruses from birds to humans. So far, there is no evidence that humans can be infected by the consumption of raw eggs or raw sausages containing poultry meat from infected animals. As a matter of principle, compliance with hygiene rules when handling and preparing raw poultry meat and poultry meat products should be ensured, also with regard to other pathogens that may be present

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