Regarding cooking poultry thoroughly at a reasonably high temp, I imagine it would kill any virus or baccillus. However, BSE ('mad cow' disease) is in the form of prions which are notoriously hard to kill in normal cooking situations, so one can't be sure. I am more concerned about the suffering of the livestock during their raising, and the harm to the planet from the long-distance travel. I also think that locally-sourced, free-range, organic food is absolutely delicious! (if a bit expensive)