SAFETY: With the current craze of raising one’s own poultry, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning reminding people to be careful — poultry could be infected with Salmonella.
There are eight ongoing outbreaks of Salmonella in 47 states linked to backyard poultry in the United States. As of May 13, 71 people had been hospitalized — 36 percent of those infected are children under the age of 5. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
“More and more people are raising backyard chickens, and they need to understand proper techniques for handling birds and equipment,” said Phillip Clauer, senior instructor and extension specialist, College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State.
Clauer noted that because young poultry are cute, soft and enjoyable to handle, people often forget that they could be infected with Salmonella bacteria. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, he said, are especially at risk.
Eva Wallner-Pendleton, poultry veterinarian at the Animal Diagnostic Lab, Penn State, added that toddlers are particularly vulnerable because they explore the world with their mouths.
“People often have the mistaken idea that backyard birds and their eggs are free from Salmonella, but a recent study at Penn State showed a small percentage of positive eggs exist even in this sector,” said Wallner-Pendleton. “In fact, any poultry can be carriers of Salmonella, and they usually have no outward symptoms of disease.”
Eggs, too, can make people sick, she said. “Certain Salmonella, such as Salmonella enteritidis, can be shed directly into eggs, and unless eggs are thoroughly cooked, they can potentially make people sick.”
In humans, infection with Salmonella may cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most patients recover without medical treatment; however, a few may require hospitalization.
Safe handling practices are the key to avoiding Salmonella infection.
Wash hands thoroughly anytime poultry or anything that has been in contact with the birds’ environment are handled; do not hold birds near the face or kiss them; keep them out of homes and living areas; do not eat or drink when working with birds or in their pens; cook all eggs completely before consuming.
Clean drop pans daily and pens with pine shavings at least monthly to reduce contamination.
Keep in mind that shoes worn in pens can become contaminated. Having dedicated shoes or over-boots when entering the pens that can be removed when leaving can help reduce tracking Salmonella as well as other diseases that are spread in the droppings.
