Handling chicks, ducklings could spread salmonella infection
May 12, 2014, 12:54 PM | Updated: May 13, 2014, 7:36 am
Mail-order hatcheries, like the one in Ohio, agricultural feed stores, and others that sell or display chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry should be able to provide you with health-related information before you buy chicks or ducklings. (AP Photo/File)
(AP Photo/File)
There’s a warning for urban farmers who think it’s okay to let their poultry live in their house.
Backyard chicken coops and hens that roam the yard are popular around the Seattle area, but the Centers for Disease Control issued a warning to those who have been handling live chicks, ducklings or other baby poultry.
While we know to wash our hands when preparing and cooking raw chicken to prevent the spread of salmonella, you should do the same after holding a live chick.
As of May 7, a total of 60 people have been infected with the outbreak of one of two strains of salmonella in 23 states after handling live chicks or ducklings. One case has been reported in Washington.
According to the CDC, 31 percent of those infected have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The salmonella outbreaks were traced back to contact with chicks, ducklings, and other live baby poultry from Mt. Healthy Hatcheries in Ohio.
The CDC says that for every case of salmonella that’s reported, it’s estimated there are as many as 29 other cases out there.
Mail-order hatcheries, like the one in Ohio, agricultural feed stores, and others that sell or display chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry should be able to provide you with health-related information before you buy chicks or ducklings.
In order to prevent a salmonella infection, the CDC says to always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. They also say not to let live poultry inside your house.
