UNAIR NEWS – Recently, the bird flu virus has kept everyone on alert. Many reports are circulating that the virus has re-emerged after some time.

Addressing the issue, a professor of the Faculty of Veterinarian Medicine (FKH) Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Dr. Chairul Anwar Nidom MS drh shared his professional view. He believed the current spread of the bird flu virus is natural.

“Allah has ordained that viruses lack completeness in their bodies, they cannot make their own energy. However, the viruses can replicate themselves by God’s will,” Prof. Nidom said.

They require host cells to get energy. “If the hosts are sick, it means they are unprepared for the virus attack,” he said.

The avian influenza virus can cause the death of chickens with a percentage of up to 100 percent. However, no conclusive evidence indicates that this virus can be transmitted from one person to another.

“As of now, we haven’t gotten the evidence that the virus can be transmitted between humans,” said the Professor of Molecular Biology of Viruses at Universitas Airlangga.

Consuming poultry meat

The condition makes people concerned about consuming poultry products, including meat and egg. The professor suggested that people not worry about it. Although it is dangerous, heating will kill the bird flu virus.

“The chicken undergoes a feather removal process. During the process, the chicken is heated with water at a temperature of 56 to 60 degrees Celsius, which kills the virus,” he said.

The virus will continue to exist while the chickens are alive. “People should not come near the flocks of chickens. They have the potential to carry the virus,” Prof. Nidom said. The same goes for eggs, as it has zero potential for transmitting the virus. “Other than the eggshell, there is a thin white membrane inside the egg as a filter to prevent the entry of any microorganisms from the outside,” he said.

He suggested purchasing chicken meat from the market instead of buying chicken alive. “Don’t buy live chickens and cut the meat yourself. It has more risks. It is better to buy pre-cut chicken meat or a fully cooked one,” added the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nidom Foundation.

Preventing the virus transmission

The bird flu virus is transmitted through the nose, mouth, and eyes. The virus spread can be prevented by wearing a mask. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the public is encouraged to wear masks, even with the lower severity of Covid-19 cases. Prof. Nidom explained that the habit of wearing masks should not be eliminated.

“Wearing a mask protects us from any particles of the virus, dust, and such. The chances of the bird flu virus infection are reduced,” Prof. Nidom said.

Another way is to maintain good health. A human body with good immunity can reduce the negative effects of viral infections. Besides, the public need not panic in facing this situation.

“Don’t panic about the virus. Stress negatively impacts the immune system. This factor makes the virus more harmful.”

Author: Icha Nur Imami Puspita

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh