Chief pathogens that can be transmitted by guano:
(1) fungi (cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis)
(2) Chlamydia (psittacosis)
(3) rabies (if bats involved)
In general, analysis of the guano for infectious agents is not recommended due to the time and expense involved. However, if there is an outbreak of a fungal infection, then sampling prior to the cleanup may provide helpful information for the epidemiologic evaluation.
Personnel selection:
(1) Workers should be healthy and not at high risk for disseminated disease.
(2) If rabies is a consideration, consider immunization of the workers.
(3) Select workers who are physically and psychologically able to perform the work while wearing the personal protective equipment.
(4) Workers should be fitted for the respirator and screened to exclude moderate or severe cardiorespiratory diseases.
Personal protective equipment:
(1) breathing and eye protection using a full face respirator with HEPA air filter
(2) protective overalls, preferably disposable
(3) gloves
(4) shoe coverings
(5) hair covering
Site preparation:
(1) Schedule the cleanup for a time when there is minimum public traffic.
(2) Air intakes into buildings should be protected.
(3) A perimeter should be established with signs.
(4) Decontamination may be considered if a pathogen has been identified and if a suitable agent is available.
(5) Wetting the area with a mist spray will have reduce dust during removal.
Excrement removal:
(1) Suitable tools for collection. If within a wooden building, plastic and nonabrasive tools may be indicated to reduce building damage.
(2) Collect material into biohazard bags and double bag.
(3) After excrement removed, clean site carefully.
(4) Transport the biohazard bags to an incinerator or landfill directly. Do not leave in a dumpster or outside for later pickup since the bags could tear and release the contents into the environment.
Takedown:
(1) Remove barriers and reopen air intakes.
(2) Workers should be vacuumed using a HEPA vacuum to remove dust.
(3) Disposable clothing should be placed in biohazard bags and incinerated.
(4) Nondisposable clothing should be collected in biohazard bags and decontaminated.
(5) The respirators should not be removed until after the external protective equipment has been removed.
(6) Workers should shower and wash the hair when complete.
Followup:
(1) For buildings, install a bird or bat proof barrier to prevent reaccumulation.
(2) The site should be reinspected periodically.
(3) Workers should be monitored for signs or symptoms of possible infection.
