Multistate outbreaks of salmonella linked to contact with baby poultry 

MDHHS encourages residents to take precautions when handling chicks and ducklings  

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reporting an increase in salmonella infections associated with three large and growing multistate outbreaks. Cases in these outbreaks reported contact with backyard poultry, specifically baby poultry, including ducklings and chicks.

Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in the droppings of poultry and can cause illness in people. Salmonella germs may be present on a bird’s feathers, feet and beaks, as well as in their cages, coops and the environment where they live and roam. Birds can carry salmonella without appearing sick.

“While raising baby chicks and ducks can be fun and educational, poultry owners should be aware that chickens and other birds can carry germs that can impact human health,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling chicks and other poultry protects both you and your family from the risk of salmonella.”  

Currently there are 184 people in 31 states reported with the outbreak strains of salmonella enteritidis (32 people), mbandaka (19 people) and saintpaul (133 people). These numbers are likely to change as investigations progress. The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported as not all cases of related illness get reported to public health officials. More than a quarter of outbreak cases are among children less than 5 years old. Michigan is reporting 21 cases, all with the salmonella saintpaul strain, of which 29% are children.  

In the largest outbreak, of the people reporting contact with backyard poultry, many are reporting contact with ducklings. MDHHS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state and local health departments to trace back where backyard poultry may have been purchased to determine a source of the outbreak.  
 
People may become infected with salmonella when they handle poultry or their cages and coops. The germs can be transferred to the hands, shoes and clothing of those who handle the birds, or who work or play in areas where the birds live and roam. If a person becomes infected with salmonella, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal cramps lasting four to seven days or more. Infections can be especially serious for the very young, the very old and those with weakened immune systems.  
 
Although baby poultry have special requirements for warmth and protection, because of the risk of salmonella and other animal health concerns, they should not be kept inside homes. Poultry owners should provide a proper safe space for the birds and for the people in the household by giving live poultry their own shelter outside the home. Also, poultry should remain outside even when their spaces are being cleaned.  
 
People should follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:  

• Children younger than 5 years old, older adults or people with weakened immune systems should not handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other poultry because they are more likely to become severely ill.  

• Remain outdoors when cleaning any equipment associated with raising or caring for poultry, such as cages, feed, water containers and other materials.  

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching birds or anything in their environment. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.  

• If hands cannot immediately be washed, use hand sanitizer until they can be washed thoroughly with soap and water.  

• Always keep poultry away from areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored, such as kitchens or outdoor patios.  

• Do not kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, especially the chicks.  

• Do not eat, drink or touch anything to your mouth without thoroughly washing hands after handling poultry or something from their environment.  

• Do not keep live poultry inside the house where people live, eat or sleep.  

• Do not give live baby poultry as gifts to young children.  

If you suspect that you or your child has a salmonella infection, contact a health care provider.  
 
For more information, visit the CDC’s website on backyard poultry health and safety.  

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