Cleaning Your Bird Bath and Bird Flu Prevention

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) such as H5N1 bird flu, is not currently a threat in the United States and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) is not likely to cause illness in humans. See Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza vs. Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza. However, if a highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak occurs in your area, you may want to take some precautions when cleaning your bird bath.

Wear gloves, apron and rubber boots. Avoid direct contact with bird bath water, feathers or bird feces. All bird derivatives from infected birds may carry the virus.

Change bird bath water frequently. For the health of birds using the bath, replace the bird bath water as frequently as possible. Bird flu viruses may remain alive for days and even up to a month in cool water and wet feces. See more details in Bird to Human Transmission.

Wear a mask. Wear a NIOSH certified N-95 mask if any of the bird derivatives such as feces can become airborne.

Wash hands. After cleaning your bird bath or changing the water, Wash Your Hands Properly.

Wash boots and clothing. Disinfect your boots and apron with chlorine bleach if they have come in contact with bird bath water or droppings that may have come from an infected bird.