What protective measures are advised when performing necropsies on birds potentially infected with aspergillosis?

• A. No protection
• B. Full hazmat suit
• C. Only gloves
• D. Masks and gloves

Answer: (D)

Protective measures during necropsy of birds that may have aspergillosis focus on stopping airborne spores from being inhaled and preventing skin contact with contaminated material. Aspergillus spores can become easily aerosolized when tissues are manipulated, so wearing a properly fitted mask or respirator reduces the risk of inhaling them. Gloves protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated tissues and help prevent carrying spores to your face or other surfaces. A full hazmat suit is usually more protective gear than is needed for standard necropsies, making it unnecessary in most wildlife rehab settings. Using only gloves would not mitigate the inhalation risk, so it wouldn’t be adequate on its own. In practice, many protocols also call for eye protection and a gown or lab coat to further reduce splash and cross-contamination, but the essential combination is masks (ideally respirators) and gloves.