Table 6 Recommended precautions for Canadian First Nations subsistence hunters to reduce exposure to avian influenza viruses while harvesting wild birds (adapted from [[33]])

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Do not touch or eat sick birds or birds that have died for unknown reasons

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Avoid touching the blood, secretions, or dropping of wild game birds

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Do not rub your eyes, touch your face, eat, drink or smoke when processing wild game birds

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Keep young children away when processing wild game birds and discourage them from playing in areas that could be contaminated with wild bird droppings

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When preparing game, wash knives, tools, work surfaces, and other equipment with soap and warm water followed by a household bleach solution (0.5% sodium hypochlorite)

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Wear water-proof household gloves or disposable latex/plastic gloves when processing wild game birds

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Wash gloves and hands (for at least 20 seconds) with soap and warm water immediately after you have finished processing game or cleaning equipment. If there is no water available, remove any dirt using a moist towlette, apply an alcohol based hand gel (between 60-90% alcohol) and wash your hands with soap and water as soon as it is possible

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Change clothes after handling wild game birds and keep soiled clothing and shoes in a sealed plastic bag until they can be washed

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When cooking birds, the inside temperature should reach 85°C for whole birds or 74°C for bird parts (no visible pink meat and juice runs clear)

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Never keep wild birds in your home or as pets

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Receive the annual influenza vaccine

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If you become sick while handling birds or shortly afterwards, see your doctor and inform your doctor that you have been in close contact with wild birds.