2017 was a record year for salmonella infections in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We’ve mentioned it several times in the Bulletin, but it the message to wash one’s hands after handling backyard birds needs repeating more than ever, according to Craig Coufal, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension poultry specialist.
Source: High Plains Journal, March 7, 2018.
My gut tells me it’s the fact that there are a lot of new flock owners, people who just don’t know about the risk,” he said. “They don’t know they should wash their hands after picking up or petting birds, handling eggs or working in the coop. They come in and touch the rim of a glass or handle food and get sick.”
INSIGHTS: This is a reminder that those who new to raising poultry and even those with years of experience need to regularly review basic management practices.