Backyard chickens can be fun and educational, but families have to be aware of how to safely manage the animals, according to the CDC. It’s a little different than raising a dog or cat. The CDC sends out regular warnings about the salmonella risks from backyard flocks.
Chickens should be outside animals only and while they may be cute please “don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry.” – CDC
Source: CNN, June 25, 2020. Link. Chickens and other poultry carry salmonella in their digestive tracks. The harmful bacteria gets into their droppings and onto their eggs and feathers. While it doesn’t bother the chicken, it can give people stomach cramps, diarrhea and other, sometimes serious, symptoms. The CDC says its best that children don’t touch live poultry since children are more likely to get a severe infection.
Also see: Why backyard chickens are thriving during Covid-9, Backyard Poultry, June 30, 2020. Link.
INSIGHTS: This is becoming a soapbox topic for Animal Health Digest. If you’ve ever experienced salmonella poisoning or seen it in a child, communicating the risk is a no-brainer. Bird retailers are not getting the education job done. It is important for animal health pros to routinely remind animal owners of zoonotic risks.
Tell them, tell them again, show them, share a story, tell them and then tell them again. Then start over! 😉