Handling Wild Birds

Topic Overview

It is best not to handle live or dead wild birds. If you can't avoid handling a wild bird, wear protective gloves. Avoid contact with blood, body fluids, and feces from the bird. After you handle the bird, be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water. You can follow the steps in Handling a Dead Bird.

Follow these guidelines for handling game meat:

• Use safe food-handling practices, such as washing your hands and keeping uncooked poultry and egg products separate from other foods.
• Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before handling food and after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.
• Cook the meat all the way through until the inside temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Clean tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water and a household cleaner.