In what has become an annual and sometimes, more often, warning, the Centers for Disease Control last month warned people to stop cuddling and kissing backyard poultry because chickens may spread salmonella. Out of 163 reported cases of Salmonella, 34 people were hospitalized. Children under 5 years old make up a third of the cases.
Source: NPR, May 22, 2021. Link. “Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.”
INSIGHTS: This advice is as clear today as it was decades ago. Share it via social media, newsletters, office signage and retail signage. It’s also a good tip to include in a 4-H poultry presentation.