Please reply to this question off the list at [email protected] My university is asking anyone who works with wild birds to use full head covered breathing respirators (presumably because they are afraid of us catching avian flu). Their request would apply to performing fieldwork (no matter the location) and working with any wild-caught birds in captivity.
As standard we use face masks and wear gloves while handling live birds. Has anyone else been asked to use respirators? Importantly, has anyone successfully defended that face masks and gloves give sufficient protection against infections? We are very concerned about the cost, impractical nature, and heat and humidity associated with respirators, weighed against their potential benefit. Thanks for any comments/advice. John Swaddle. Professor, Biology College of William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
