Risk of human Salmonella infections from contact with live poultry
Nashville, TN – Cuddly baby chicks and ducks are as much a part of the Easter holiday as colored eggs and the Easter bunny. But even though they are fun to look at and kids love them, you should not give them as gifts because of the health risks involved.
Live poultry, especially baby poultry, commonly carry Salmonella germs.
In recent years, many outbreaks have been linked to handling live poultry purchased from agricultural feed stores and mail-order hatcheries. In these outbreaks thousands of people became ill, hundreds were hospitalized, and several deaths occurred.
“Even healthy-appearing chickens and ducks can carry germs that are potentially harmful to humans, especially children,” says Tennessee Department of Health Epidemiologist Tim Jones, M.D. “We recommend families enjoy the many means of celebrating this season, but leave handling of live poultry to people trained in their appropriate care.”
Poultry, such as baby chicks, seem to arrive in feed stores and co-ops just in time for Easter, but this is simply a coincidence as spring and summer is a typical breeding season for chickens. TDA and the Tennessee Department of Health are working together to distribute information to feed and farm stores by supplying posters with information on proper handling of poultry that can be displayed for their customers.
“We’re working with farm and feed suppliers to ensure the protection of both the animals and people who may come in contact with them,” said State Veterinarian, Charles Hatcher. “We want to support poultry projects and production uses such as backyard flocks and FFA and 4-H projects while also informing the consumer.”
Do not let children younger than five, elderly persons, or people with weak immune systems handle chicks, ducklings or other live poultry. If you do come into contact with live poultry, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after.
It’s important to protect the welfare of the animal as well as the human. Caring for animals requires long term commitment. Many people who buy poultry as a gift sometimes forget this fact. And remember, it is illegal to dye a chick a different color.
