CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) on Wednesday issued a press release cautioning the public about the risk of Salmonella posed by handling poultry chicks.
The department said that the state regularly sees cases of Salmonellosis in humans related to people contacting poultry, “especially in the springtime.”
“People in Wyoming are regularly infected with Salmonella as part of larger, multistate outbreaks involving baby poultry,” WDH surveillance epidemiologist Matthew Peterson said in the release. “It happens every year.”
“There’s no denying that poultry chicks are cute and appealing. They’re soft, too. That’s why many people want to photograph, touch, hold or even snuggle with them. Unfortunately, these charming chicks can also have germs on their bodies and in their droppings.”
Poultry chicks are a common source of Salmonella and the WDH says that the bacteria can lead to symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps (among others) in humans. The department said that young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems have increased risk of experiencing sever symptoms from Salmonella infection.
People can can get infected not only by handling poultry.
“The germs we’re concerned with are also found where birds live, such as in their cages and coops,” Peterson said. “If someone puts their hands in or near their mouth after handling birds or touching the birds’ environment, they can become infected.”
“We know pet ownership can be rewarding and there can be great benefits from having a backyard flock of chickens. But there are also steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from harmful germs.”
The WDH provided the following tips regarding the handling of birds:
• Children younger than 5 years of age, elderly persons or people with weak immune systems shouldn’t handle or touch chicks or other live poultry.
• After touching live poultry or anything in the area where they are found, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
• Don’t eat or drink around live poultry, touch with the mouth or hold closely to the face.
• Don’t let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored.
• Clean equipment or materials used in caring for live poultry outside the house, such as cages or feed or water containers.
The press release regarding Salmonella is not directly related to the national outbreak of pathogenic avian influenza among domestic and wild birds. However, cases of avian flu have been confirmed in Wyoming and the WDH said that bird owners should “follow guidance from the Wyoming Livestock Board on preventing exposure to wild birds and should report any symptoms among their birds to their veterinarians.”
“Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible, wear gloves when dressing birds, and wash hands with soap and water afterwards,” the WDH said. “Other individuals should avoid contact with wild birds if possible.”
