Never Kiss The Chickens: State Health Department

PROVIDENCE, RI — Backyard chickens made five people sick, the state health department said Monday. It is investigating a cluster of cases (four cases in May and one in February) that are linked to exposure to backyard chicks. All the patients have Salmonella Braenderup.

According to the press release, Rhode Islanders are reminded to practice good hygiene around live poultry to protect against the spread of disease. Contact with live poultry and the areas where they live can make people sick with Salmonella. Chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry that look healthy and clean can still carry Salmonella bacteria. Here are some tips.

• Always wash your hands with soap and water right after touching live poultry, eggs, or anything in the area where poultry live and roam. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
• Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside of the house.
• Children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 65 years old, and people with weakened immune systems should not handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
• Do not snuggle or kiss the birds, touch your mouth, or eat or drink around live poultry.
• Clean any equipment used to care for live poultry outside, such as cages or feed or water containers.
• Do not let live poultry inside your home, especially in kitchens.
• Do not let live poultry in areas where food or drink are prepared, served, or stored.