craftgrrl | feather sterilization?

Hi, folks :) My brother and his wife have a pet duck...right now it's been hanging mostly inside their house (wears ducky diapers), but in late spring through early fall it's outside in their pond most of the day. Right now she's molting and I asked bro to save the feathers for me since I am all about free crafting supplies ;) Do I need to sterilize them? I wouldn't really worry much, but she hangs out with wild ducks and geese for most of the year so I guess my questions are: Are there awful things to be caught from duck feathers or wild waterfowl in general? and What would be a good way to sterilize them. Would freezing work or maybe microwaving? I'm kind of afraid of that one...could the shaft or quill (whatever it's called) explode in the heat?
Any help would be much appreciated...I just know there is someone here who'll have answers!
Mar