Zoonotic diseases that backyard poultry may spread to humans include salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis and avian influenza viruses. Widespread outbreaks of human Salmonella spp. infections linked to contact with backyard chickens have been documented in the United States since the 1990s.
Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2018.
Veterinarians should advise owners of backyard chickens and/or other poultry about zoonotic risks and how to reduce the risk for disease transmission:
- Hands should always be washed thoroughly with soap immediately after touching poultry or anything in their habitat.
- Poultry should not be allowed to enter homes, especially areas where food or drinks are prepared, served, or stored.
- Owners should designate a pair of shoes to wear while caring for poultry and avoid bringing those shoes into the home.
- Children younger than 5 years, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and adults 65 years or older should not handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
- Food or drink should not be consumed in areas where poultry live or roam.
- Birds and other poultry should never be kissed or snuggled and touching of the face or mouth after handling birds should be avoided until hands can be washed.
- Equipment or materials used to raise or care for live poultry (e.g., cages, feed or water containers) should be cleaned outside the home.
INSIGHTS: Note the suggested reading at the end of the article.