Use caution when handling baby chicks
Deschutes County Oregon -- 4/7/2011 --
A case of Salmonella in a Deschutes County resident has been linked to baby chicks by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. As spring and the Easter holiday approach, local and State Public Health officials are reminding everyone that chick handling is a very common source of Salmonella.
Many chicks carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tract and can shed these bacteria in their feces. Salmonella bacteria may not cause any illness in chicks, but can cause serious illness in people especially children and immune-compromised people.
Salmonella bacteria are easily spread from chicks to humans. Humans may become infected when handling chicks or when handling contaminated items with fecal materials. For Salmonella bacteria to spread from chicks to humans, the bacteria must be ingested. Therefore, when handling chicks people and especially children should wash their hands well and frequently with soap and water.
Most Salmonella infections in humans result in a mild, self-limiting illness characterized by diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. However, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, bone marrow or nervous system, leading to severe and sometimes fatal, illness. Such severe infections are more likely to occur in infants and in individuals whose immune system is compromised.
Fortunately the spread of Salmonella bacteria from chicks to humans can be easily prevented by using the following routine precautions:
Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water after handling chicks, chick cages and equipment, and the stool of chicks.
Always wash your hands after coming into contact with any area where chicks are kept.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling chicks, chick cages, or chick equipment. Do not kiss chicks or share food or drink with them.
Children less than five years old should avoid contact with chicks. Children should be supervised when they are handling chicks to ensure that they do not place their hands, or objects that a chick has contacted, in their mouths. Chicks should not be kept in childcare centers.
Persons with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with chicks.
Follow instructions from your veterinarian concerning proper diet and environment for your chicks. Healthy chicks living in proper environments are less likely to shed Salmonella bacteria.
This information is not meant to discourage chick/poultry ownership. With a few exceptions (for example, infants or individuals with compromised immune systems), most people have a low risk of acquiring Salmonella from chicks.
