Do bird feeders pose any health risk for humans?
Bird flu is primarily a disease of waterfowl and shorebirds, and is not typically seen in the “back yard” bird species that visit bird feeders. Because wild birds can also carry other diseases — such as salmonella — a number of precautions are recommended for people who keep bird feeders: • Wear rubber or disposal latex gloves while cleaning bird feeders or bird baths. • Use a plastic bag to pick up any dead birds, and dispose of them in the garbage. • Do not eat, drink, smoke, or rub your eyes or mouth after handling birds, until you can thoroughly wash your hands.
