Feeding the birds is a safe and enjoyable activity.
Attracting birds to your yard can enrich the environment and provide hours of enjoyment as you watch your feathered friends enjoy the feast you have set out. But having a feeder does require more maintenance than just putting out seed; the feeders should be cleaned regularly in a 10 percent bleach solution and the ground underneath should be kept clean of bird droppings and seed debris. Maintaining proper feeder hygiene will prevent the few, but potentially worrisome, human health risks that can be associated with bird feeding.
Avian Influenza
The avian influenza is less of a risk with feeding wild birds than it is with maintaining a flock of chicken or geese, but is still possible to contract the disease. It can be spread through contact with infected feces, or nasal discharge from an infected bird. Using a mask and gloves when you clean the debris beneath the feeder is generally enough to minimize the risk of getting this illness from feeding wild birds.
Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)
Chlamydiosis is also spread through infected droppings and nasal discharge. It can become airborne when dried feces is disturbed. Inhaling this dust can lead to a flu-like illness in humans that can progress to pneumonia. This disease is more prevalent in people who own pet birds, rather than those that just have a feeder. Even then, the CDC reports that there have been fewer than 50 cases of psittacosis in the United States each year since 1996. To decrease the risk of contracting this illness, wear a respirator when cleaning under feeders and spray any dried droppings with water before cleaning. This will prevent the dust from going airborne.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is not actually an illness carried by birds; rather it is a fungus that grows in areas that are rich with bird or bat droppings. It is a common fungus that can be found in the soil. It occurs in higher concentration in the Ohio River valley and in the lower Mississippi River basin, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The fungus causes respiratory issues that usually self-resolve, but occasionally need anti-fungal treatment. If you are in the areas where the fungus is widespread, it is best to assume the soil is contaminated where droppings are present in high concentrations. Use a respirator when cleaning up the droppings.
Newcastle Disease
Newcastle disease presents in humans as a form of conjunctivitis, or eye irritation. In birds it can be fatal. It is spread through direct contact with an ill bird, or through the inhalation of contaminated material. It is persistent in the environment, especially in the feces of an infected bird. Wearing gloves and a mask when cleaning up feeder debris can reduce risk of this disease.
Salmonellosis
People contract salmonellosis when they eat food infected with the bacteria. It can also be spread through direct contact with an infected bird. Vomiting, fever, cramps and diarrhea are common symptoms of salmonellosis, with the symptoms usually resolving about 4 to 7 days after appearing. Most people recover without medical attention. Using proper cleaning precautions when clearing out excess food and waste from a bird feeder can eliminate your chances of contracting salmonellosis from wild birds. Never handle a sick bird without gloves, and if you can catch it, it is sick.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, but handling the carcass of an infected bird can also cause illness. Use gloves whenever handling dead animals, and protect yourself against mosquitoes when outdoors.
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