He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on Avian Influenza Virus at the NIPSOM (National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine) auditorium at Mohakhali in the city yesterday.

"It is safe to eat cooked chicken, thoroughly boiled eggs and eggs that have been fried on both sides, as long as they are cooked at 70°C temperature since Avian Influenza virus dies at this temperature", said the adviser.

"The outbreak of the virus in the neighboring countries and the yearly visit by the migratory birds in huge numbers had already increased the possibility of a bird flu outbreak in the country but the government has taken all necessary steps to prevent the outbreak" he added.

He acknowledged the role played by the mass media and said "The mass media has made people alert and reduced their anxiety by providing accurate information."

He said the government, mass media and the welfare organisations have to work together sincerely to stamp out the disease before it gets serious.

The seminar was also addressed by Director General of Department of Health Dr Md Shajahan Bishwas, Director of NIPSON Prof Md Jafar Ullah Chowdhury and the founder director of the institution Prof Kafil Uddin.