Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry. As of May 16, 109 people across 29 states have been infected. Though no fatalities have emerged yet, thirty-three patients have been hospitalized. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stressed the significance of taking necessary measures when dealing with poultry in backyards so as not only to avoid but also reduce its transmission to another person.
Backyard Poultry and Salmonella
While they may look nice and sanitary on the outside, backyard birds like chickens or ducks can carry Salmonella germs. These germs can be spread to anything that comes into contact with them in the surroundings in which they live and move. Humans can acquire various diseases when they come into contact with backyard birds or related surroundings and later touch their mouths or food, thus swallowing germs and causing Salmonella infection.
Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data indicate that contact with backyard poultry makes people sick. The illnesses have been reported from Feb. 28, 2024, to April 30, 2024. There may be more sick than indicated as several recover without being tested for Salmonella and getting medical help. Out of the interviewed group, roughly 73% had some exposure to backyard birds, while 67% of those whose data was obtained had bought or kept poultry before they fell sick. The poultry was purchased from multiple retail stores and hatcheries, and no common supplier has been identified across all outbreaks.
Consumer Safety Tips
Make sure you wash your hands: Once you have handled backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything within their space, wash your hands using soap and water. If you cannot find soap or water, utilize a hand sanitizer. Having the sanitizer around your coop may help.
Be Safe Around Backyard Flocks: Avoid snuggling backyard poultry, and avoid eating or drinking around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your poultry and the supplies used to care for them, like feed containers and shoes worn in the coop outside the house.
Supervise Kids Around Flocks: Supervise children around backyard poultry all the time and have them wash their hands properly. Children under 5 should not touch chicks, ducklings, or other backyard poultry since they are more likely to become ill from germs such as Salmonella.
Monitor Your Health: If you experience severe symptoms such as diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, or signs of dehydration (like not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing up), contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Handle Eggs Safely: Collect eggs frequently, as eggs in the nest can become dirty or break. Discard any cracked eggs because germs on the shell can easily enter through the cracks. To keep it fresh and slow the spread of bacteria, you can refrigerate eggs; besides, whether the yolk or white is firm ensures that eggs are done. Regarding the bacteria that are present in the eggs then, one is supposed to cook egg dishes until they have attained a temperature that is an internal temperature of 160°F. Instead of using cold water to wash the eggs, one should use a brush, cloth, or fine sandpaper since it can pull germs into the egg.
Advice for Poultry Retailers
Stores selling backyard poultry should source birds from hatcheries that reduce Salmonella contamination by following the USDA’s best management practices. Ships carrying chicken should be cleaned and disinfected before new cargo is loaded, and the chicken part of the exhibit must have handwashing sites or sanitizers. Display poultry that is out of reach of customers, especially children, to prevent direct contact. Provide health information to potential buyers, detailing how to stay healthy with backyard flocks.
From The Club
I definitely like the idea of backyard poultry, and I think it’s a rewarding hobby for some people. The fact that you can raise chickens and collect fresh eggs is somehow a stress reliever. But if you’re planning to or already have one, just be mindful of what you should know in relation to not only the proper way of doing backyard poultry but the things that relate to maintaining good health ’cause you’ll never know what could happen. Just be safe, be informed, and be in the know.