CDC Pamphlet Aims to Prevent Salmonella

US - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a pamphlet warning people about the risk of Salmonella from handling chicks and ducklings and offering advice on disease prevention.
calendar icon 13 May 2011
clock icon 3 minute read

'After you touch ducklings or chicks, wash your hands so you don't get sick!' says the CDC leaflet.

Contact with live poultry (chicks, chickens, ducklings, ducks, geese and turkeys) can be a source of human Salmonella infections.

  • Salmonella germs can cause a diarrhoeal illness in people that can be mild, severe or even life-threatening.
  • Chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry can carry Salmonella germs and still appear healthy and clean.
  • Salmonella germs are shed in their droppings and can easily contaminate their bodies and anything in areas where birds live and roam.

'Protect yourself and your family from germs,' advises CDC.

DO:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.
    • Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitiser until you are able to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Clean any equipment or materials associated with raising or caring for live poultry outside the house, such as cages or feed or water containers.

DON'T:

  • Don't let children younger than five years of age, elderly persons or people with weak immune systems handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other live poultry.
  • Don't let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms, or especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored, such as kitchens or outdoor patios.
  • Don't snuggle or kiss the birds, touch your mouth or eat or drink around live poultry.

Further Reading

- You can download the CDC pamphlet by clicking here.
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