Wild birds and human pathogens in the context of ringing and migration

Wild birds carry a diversity of micro‐organisms that are pathogenic to humans, may be transmitted over long distances during migrations, and are potentially transmissible to people who handle and ring birds. High‐profile diseases that are associated with carriage by birds include avian influenza, West Nile fever, and Lyme disease. Also potentially important is the existence of an avian reservoir of bacteria that are enteric human pathogens; for example species of Campylobacter and Salmonella, and toxin‐producing strains of Escherichia coli. Wild birds have been implicated in the transfer of these enteric pathogens to people. The subject of wild birds as potential reservoirs of pathogens that may be transmitted to humans in the context of ringing and migration is reviewed and it is recommended that appropriate precautions to minimise risk should be taken during and subsequent to the handling of wild birds.

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