It is considered safe to hunt, handle, and eat healthy game birds. However, because exposure to avian influenza can occur when handling wild birds and waterfowl, we recommend that you: Avoid hunting game birds and waterfowl in areas where an outbreak of avian influenza has been reported.
Is it safe to handle wild birds?
Do not touch or hand-feed wild birds with your bare hands. If you find a sick or dead bird, call your state wildlife agency or wildlife rehabilitator .
Can you get diseases from touching a bird?
Salmonella can be transmitted to people who handle sick or dead birds. Always wear disposable gloves when handling infected birds, and wash your hands after touching a bird feeder or birdbath.
Is touching a bird safe?
However, some diseases are so contagious and serious that you should be wary of touching any part of a bird. To be safe, wash and sanitize your hands after touching bird feathers, as there is some risk to handling any wild animals or wild animal parts. This is especially true if the part may have come from a sick bird.
What diseases do birds carry to humans?
Disease in humans may present as cellulitis, bacteremia, endocarditis, encephalitis, and arthritis. Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, parrot fever and avian chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci and is found in parrots, parakeets, turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons and other birds.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Can humans get sick from parrots?What diseases can you catch from birds?
