National Poultry Day: Flashback to the Past Poultry Outbreaks

photo source: nbcnews.com

The United Stated Food and Drug Administration reports that the U.S. poultry industry is the world's largest producer and the second-largest exporter of poultry meat. Consumption of poultry meat is by far higher than beef or pork, but less than total red meat consumption.

The Center for Disease Control approximates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. Contaminated poultry products and including avian viruses, can affect hundreds or millions of people. To celebrate National Poultry Day, we’ve compiled a flashback to poultry outbreaks you would never want in your home or establishment.

SPANISH FLU

The influenza of 1918-1918 was actually a severe form of avian influenza. In a span of one year, it killed almost 100 million people. It is thought to have been one of the most deadly pandemics so far in human history. It spread even in the Pacific islands and the Artic.

ASIAN FLU 1956

The World Health organization reports that the Asian Flu in 1956-1958 caused fatalities of up to two million people. It is believed to have been caused by the reassortment between humans and ducks.
The virus was first discovered in Guizhou and spread to countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and the United States. A vaccine was developed in 1957 to contain the outbreak.

HONG KONG FLU

In 1968, a new influenza virus hit Asia. Originating in Hong Kong, the avian influenza virus killed an estimated 1 million people worldwide and infected 500,000 Hong Kong residents.

H7N9

The avian influenza virus H7N9 was first reported in China in March 2013. Exposure to infected poultry and contaminated environments were the most probable cause of the outbreak. Most patients have had severe respiratory illness, with about one-third resulting in death.

In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 132 human H7N9 infections, with 44 deaths. Closing live bird markets and the change in weather contributed to the decline of the virus. Studies indicate that avian influenza viruses, like seasonal influenza viruses, have a seasonal pattern: they circulate at higher levels in cold weather and at lower levels in warm weather.

Pilgrim’s Pride causes Listeria

On Oct. 12, 2002, Pilgrim’s pride recalled about 27.4 million pounds of sliced deli meat after deli products made at a Pilgrim’s Pride plant in Franconia, PA were the source of an outbreak of listeriosis that killed seven people, sickened 46 and caused three miscarriages. It was the largest recall at that time in the United States.

Foster Farms Salmonella Outbreak

524 people have been infected with Salmonella Heidelberg as of April 7, 2014. This is due to the consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken. 25 states including Puerto Rico have reported cases, 37% of have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

Foodborne illnesses and virus can affect you and your company greatly. You can avoid this from happening by getting the knowledge you need by taking a food handler’s license and practicing foodborne disease prevention steps.