Decision Tree for the assessment, evaluation and management of
wastes associated with the highly pathogenic avian influenza
(HPAI) H5N1 virus.
Monitor wild and
domestic birds in the US
NO
NO
H5N1 confirmed
in birds in US?
NO
H5N1 found in
people?
YES
YES
Animal waste
generated1
Household
waste
generated2
YES
Manage as
MSW 4
YES
Is waste
infectious? 5
YES
Animal Waste:
Manage pursuant to
MDA, DNR and BAH
guidance5
YES
Hospital waste
generated
Follow WHO Infection Control
Guidelines, Proper cleaning and
sanitizing of hospital rooms, PPE
YES
Is waste
infectious? 3
NO
Manage as
MSW 4
YES
Manage as:
Infectious Waste3
YES
Contact with H5N1 viruscontaminated wastes?
YES
Possible contacts:
Sanitation Worker
Food Worker
Janitorial
Housekeeping
Public Works
Parks& Recreation
Caretaker in private
residence
First Responder
Nurse
Until more complete protocol
developed, follow WHO Infection
Control Guidelines re: proper
cleaning/sanitizing of public spaces
and PPE.
2007
Footnotes
1Animal
wastes may include bird carcasses, bedding materials, cages, innards and feces.
2Household wastes may include items such as tissues, disposable utensils, beverage containers
and food. Household wastes are defined by regulation as municipal solid wastes (or MSW).
Ramsey County Solid Waste Ordinance, Laws of Minnesota 1969, Chapter 847 and Minn. Stat.
473.801 et seq.: 115A.80 et.seq. (1984)
3Criteria for determining infectiousness includes assessment of whether the waste is a dripping
or saturated waste and/or a laboratory waste, blood, regulated body fluid, sharp or infectious
research animal waste. Minnesota Infectious Waste Rules 7035.9100-9150
4 Ramsey
County Solid Waste Ordinance, Laws of Minnesota 1969, Chapter 847 and Minn. Stat.
473.801 et seq.: 115A.80 et.seq. (1984)
5The
MN Departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) and the Board of
Animal Health (BAH) will provide guidance regarding the disposal of sick and dead birds.
Animal waste is presumed mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) unless MDA, DNR or BAH indicate
otherwise. These agencies will provide additional guidance, if needed, regarding the disposal
and cleaning and sanitizing of all materials that came in contact with the sick or dead birds.
Saint Paul—Ramsey County Department of Public Health
651.266.1199 | www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph
Twin Cities Metro Advanced Practice Center