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Chicks, Ducklings and Salmonella
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been investigating outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with handling chicks and ducklings. Two rare strains of Salmonella are involved in the outbreaks: Salmonella Altona and Salmonella Johannesburg.
As of August 23, 2011, 65 individuals from 20 states have been infected with Salmonella Altona since February 25, 2011. Approximately one-third of those infected are less than 5 years of age. No deaths have been reported. The source of the outbreak has been traced to a mail-order hatchery in Ohio.
As of August 23, 2011, 27 individuals in 15 states have been infected with Salmonella Johannesburg since March 19, 2011. Almost three-quarters of those infected are less than 5 years of age. No deaths have been reported. The source of the outbreak has been traced to the same mail-order hatchery in Ohio associated with the Salmonella Altona outbreak.
Animals, particularly poultry, reptiles and amphibians, and some animal feeds can be sources of Salmonella infection in people. Proper hygiene and sanitation are critical to preventing Salmonella infection associated with handling animals. The CDC recommends the following preventive measures when handling live poultry:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Clean any equipment or materials associated with raising or caring for live poultry outside the house, such as cages or feed or water containers.
- Do not let children younger than 5 years of age, elderly persons, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
- Do not let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms, or especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens, or outdoor patios.
- Do not snuggle or kiss the birds, touch your mouth, or eat or drink around live poultry.
Additional resources:
CDC:
National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV):
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