If you touch a dead bird in your backyard, do you need to get it tested for bird flu?

No, but: A dead bird in the backyard in us is not likely to transmit bird flu. However, you should avoid touching wild life, dead or alive. The dead bird should be reported to the local county health office and may need to be tested for illnesses such as west nile virus that may be transmitted to people through mosquitoes.

No: Bird flu is not common right now, but touching dead birds is never wise due to a number of diseases that may have caused its death and could be transmitted to humans. Use a shovel to place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it.