Poultry consumption has greatly increased in recent years. Due to poor hygiene, poultry and poultry products are responsible for a number of foodborne illnesses including salmonellosis, staphylococcal food poisoning and botulism. Other, less common diseases include psittacosis or ornithosis, also known as parrot fever, which is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, and ‘bird flu', which is a viral disease that can affect both poultry and people.

Healthy, well-kept chicken

Healthy, well-kept poultry are good sources of protein from eggs and meat. (Photo: Pam Furniss)

From your general knowledge, what symptoms may occur following the consumption of raw eggs if they are contaminated with Salmonella?

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Common effects are diarrhoea, fever and headaches, which may be signs of salmonellosis.

Last modified: Wednesday, 2 July 2014, 2:33 PM