What is Pilgrim’s Pride doing to prepare for the bird flu?

Vanessa Fultz, Democrat Reporter

February 20, 2007 06:38 pm

— Pilgrim’s Pride, formerly Gold Kist, of Live Oak is doing its share to help ensure the avian (bird) flu doesn’t infect the company’s poultry.
Pilgrim’s Pride spokesperson Karla Harvill said while certain bird flu strains have been detected in poultry in the United States the avian influenza H5N1 strain, the only strain affecting humans, has not been found in domestic poultry. And the company does not process imported poultry, she said.
Harvill said Pilgrim’s Pride poultry is tested regularly as a precautionary measure.
Can a person get the bird flu from eating infected chicken? And what about eating raw eggs?
“A temperature of 165º will kill any virus including the avian flu,” she said.
Harvill cautions the public about raw eggs.
“As long as eggs are cooked it should be fine,” she said.
Vanessa Fultz can be reached by calling 386-362-1734 ext. 130 or by e-mail at vanessa.fultz@gaflnews.com.