Bird droppings, also known as bird poop, can carry diseases that may be harmful to humans. If you accidentally touch bird poop with your bare hands or skin, you’ll want to clean it off right away. Here’s a quick look at what you should do if you touch bird poop.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
The first thing you’ll want to do is wash your hands well with soap and warm water. Use enough soap to create a good lather and scrub all over your hands and fingers. Be sure to wash under your nails and between your fingers where poop may be lodged. Keep washing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing clean under running water. This will help remove any traces of bird droppings and potential germs from your skin.
Clean the Affected Skin
If you accidentally got bird poop directly on your skin, you’ll want to wash the area well with soap and warm water. Try to avoid rubbing or touching the affected area before washing, as this can push germs further into your skin. Gently clean the area and keep washing until all traces of poop are gone. Be thorough in your cleaning and rinse well under running water. You may want to use an antibacterial wipe or hand sanitizer on the area after washing for extra cleaning power.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
After thoroughly washing any skin that came into contact with bird droppings, consider applying an antibiotic ointment. This can help prevent infection from any germs that may have entered through your skin. Choose an over-the-counter antibiotic cream or ointment and apply a thin layer over the affected area. This creates a barrier to keep out germs as the skin heals. Keep the area clean and change the bandage or reapply ointment as needed.
Watch for Signs of Infection
In the days following exposure to bird droppings, keep an eye out for any signs of infection. These can include:
- Redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness at the site
- Pus or oozing from the area
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Generally feeling unwell
If you notice any infection setting in, contact your doctor right away. You may need antibiotics to treat bacteria from the bird poop. Catching infections early makes them easier to cure.
Get a Tetanus Shot
If it’s been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot, see your doctor about getting a booster. Tetanus is a bacterial disease that can be spread through bird droppings entering an open wound. Make sure your tetanus immunity is up to date to protect yourself.
See Your Doctor If Needed
In general, thoroughly washing any bird poop from your hands or skin should be sufficient. But see your doctor right away if:
- The poop entered your mouth, eyes, or an open wound.
- You develop any signs of infection.
- You have a weakened immune system or open sores on your skin.
- The bird poop was from a sick looking bird.
For high-risk individuals, antibiotics or other treatment may be recommended even without obvious infection. Better to be safe when dealing with bird droppings and potential illness.
Why is Bird Poop Harmful?
Bird droppings contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Some strains can cause diseases in humans. Potential illnesses from bird poop contact include:
- Campylobacteriosis – Bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, cramping, fever, and vomiting.
- Salmonellosis – Diarrheal illness from Salmonella bacteria.
- Psittacosis – Respiratory infection that causes fever, chills, and headache.
- Histoplasmosis – Fungal infection that forms ulcers and masses in the body.
- Cryptococcosis – Fungal disease that can affect the lungs and brain.
While most bird droppings are harmless, it’s a good idea to avoid direct contact when possible. Proper handwashing can help prevent disease transmission if you do touch poop.
What types of birds spread disease through poop?
Geese, ducks, gulls, pigeons, hawks, eagles, and vultures are among birds that can transmit diseases to people through their droppings. Chickens, turkeys, and parrots can also spread certain illnesses through their poop.
Birds that appear sick or dead are most likely to spread infections. Avoid their droppings even more than healthy-appearing birds.
Should you get sick after touching bird poop?
Usually not. Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water after touching bird droppings should remove any germs and prevent illness in most cases.
Only a small percentage of people develop infections from bird poop contact when proper handwashing is done. Those at highest risk are people with weakened immune systems, very young children, and the elderly.
Monitor yourself for any fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms in the days following bird poop exposure. See a doctor if you have any concerns.
How to avoid touching bird poop
Here are some tips to avoid encounters with bird droppings:
- Avoid areas with large bird populations like parks with many ducks or pigeons.
- Cover your head in areas with roosting birds.
- Don’t touch bird feeders, birdbaths, or nesting areas.
- Watch where you sit outside as bird poop may be on benches or ledges.
- Never touch sick or dead birds.
- Keep hand sanitizer with you when outdoors.
How to clean up bird poop safely
If bird poop gets on your property, here’s how to clean it safely:
- Put on gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact.
- Spray the poop lightly with soapy water to prevent feathers or dust from rising.
- Use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick up the poop.
- Throw away in tightly sealed garbage bag.
- Disinfect area with diluted bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other sanitizing products.
- Wash hands, gloves, tools with soap and hot water when finished.
Conclusion
Bird droppings can carry a range of diseases, so it’s wise to avoid direct contact. If you do accidentally touch bird poop, thoroughly wash your hands and any other exposed skin immediately. Monitor for signs of infection and see a doctor if needed, especially for high-risk groups. With proper hygiene, the risk of getting sick from touching bird poop is low.