Don’t Let Baby Chicks Make You Sick This Easter

With Easter this weekend, you might think it’s a fun idea to get the kids in your life a baby chick or duck for the holiday.  The Oregon Department of Agriculture is encouraging you to think twice.

ODA stresses that baby chicks, ducks, or other birds can harbor germs, like salmonella, that can make people sick.  It is important to practice effective biosecurity measures when handling poultry.  Touching your eyes, mouth, or face directly after handling live birds, or things in their environment can lead to sickness.

The Department of Ag added chicks, ducklings, or other young birds can carry salmonella on their bodies, even though they may appear to be clean and healthy.  If you do get a new bird or poultry friend, ODA says it is important to properly wash your hands with soap and water.

And birds and their supplies should be kept outside to prevent harmful bacteria and viruses from spreading inside the home.

In addition, it’s important to supervise children when they are handling poultry and ensure they don’t kiss, nuzzle, touch their mouths, eat, or drink, during or after handling poultry until they have properly washed their hands.

For more health and safety tips, visit the CDC's Website.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com