Salmonella and Chicken: The Inherent Risks in Raising Backyard Poultry
More and more families have recently have been bringing a little country-life into their own backyards. Many suburban and city residents are loving the idea of a small farm in their very own homes and are making the decision to adopt a group of chickens, sometimes just for the enjoyment of their children, but sometimes as egg layers. Imagine waking up and sending your children out into your own backyard to collect fresh eggs for breakfast.
But before you head outside to build your own chicken coup, authorities have warned that there are inherent risks involved with owning and caring for poultry. Outbreaks of salmonella are at one of the highest levels they have been at in recent years, in part because of the increase in chickens as pets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that just this summer there have been at least 235 additional salmonella poisoning cases linked to backyard poultry. This brings this year’s total to over 1,000 confirmed salmonella cases linked to backyard poultry. These reports have been confirmed in almost all 50 states.
It is believed that all confirmed cases had direct or indirect contact with chickens or ducks in their backyards.
Salmonella and Chicken: Salmonellosis is Caused by Ingestion of Salmonella Bacteria
Most backyard chicken owners that have had salmonella complain of diarrhea and stomach cramps, with some complaining of vomiting and the onset of a low-grade fever. The treatment is usually to rest at home and stay hydrated until feeling better, but some who seek medical attention are given antibiotics to speed recuperation. However, about 20 % of the victims in this outbreak, almost 200 people, had to be hospitalized and two people have sadly passed away, including a resident of Texas and a resident of Ohio.
Salmonella is a very serious issue for children under five years old, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system. These populations are at a higher risk of acquiring the illness and suffering more serious repercussions; it is advised that they do not handle the animals.
Salmonella can be spread from handling the bird itself or the eggs, as well as just walking around in the area these animals live and roam. The salmonella bacteria are in the feces of infected birds, and so with chickens and ducks, it is spread widely in their confined living spaces. It is vital that families carefully supervise children and remember to engage in careful hand-washing with both soap and water after contact. It is also recommended that persons set aside a pair of shoes that are only to be used when walking outside where the chickens are to prevent cross contamination and carrying the bacteria into the home on soiled shoes.
It is important to remember that these new pets can carry salmonella even if they look healthy and no matter how often or well their owners clean the coup.
The CDC is not warning against owning poultry, but is encouraging those that are interested in purchasing chicks or ducklings to fully educate themselves about the link between salmonella and chicken. It is important to know the risks and procedures used to prevent disease, including the practice of extremely good hygiene each and every time there is contact with the backyard chickens or their environments.
