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March 21, 2018 | Don’t play chicken with your health
Live poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys, often carry germs such as Salmonella. After you touch a bird, or anything in the area where birds live and roam, wash your hands so you don’t get sick!
Owning backyard chickens and other poultry can be a great experience. However, children and other groups of people have a greater chance of illness from handling live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. Even handling baby birds displayed at stores can cause a Salmonella infection.
How do people get Salmonella infections from live poultry?
People become infected with Salmonella germs when they put their hands or equipment that has been in contact with live poultry in or around their mouth. Live poultry might have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies (feathers, feet and beaks), even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can get on cages, coops, feed and water dishes, hay, plants and soil in the area where the birds live and roam. Germs also can get on the hands, shoes and clothes of people who handle or care for the birds.
What are the signs and symptoms of Salmonella infection?
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
How do I reduce the chance of Salmonella infection?
- Always wash your hands with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.
- Don’t kiss your birds or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth.
- Don’t eat or drink in the area where the birds live or roam.
- Don’t let live poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored.
- Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for live poultry, such as cages or feed or water containers.
- Don’t let children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65, or people with weakened immune systems from conditions such as cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS or organ transplants, handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
 Click to download the PDF poster.
Bulletin content provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn More.
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