Can a person become infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus by cleaning a bird feeder?

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Answer:

There is no evidence of highly pathogenic H5N1 having caused disease in birds or people in the United States. At the present time, there is no risk of becoming infected with H5N1 virus from bird feeders in the United States.

Generally, perching birds (Passeriformes) are the predominate type of birds at feeders. While there are documented cases of H5N1 causing death in some perching birds, none occurred in the U.S. and most of the wild birds that are traditionally associated with avian influenza viruses are waterfowl and shore birds. Hand washing and other recommended handling practices will also help to reduce risk associated with potentially contaminated birds or materials.

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Last Updated: 04/04/2007