“Backyard poultry flocks are very popular today in Kentucky so it’s worth the time to review a few good safety rules when handling live birds,” Dr. John Poe, state public health veterinarian, said in a DPH news release. “Washing hands thoroughly, cleaning equipment used with live poultry and making sure live poultry remain outside are measures everyone should take to prevent illness. As we move into chick season this spring, it’s particularly important to observe these guidelines.”
In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported eight outbreaks involving contact with live poultry that sickened more than 450 nationwide, more than recorded in any year previously. It also reported the largest outbreak of human salmonella infections linked to backyard flocks in a single year.
Each year DPH receives reports of salmonella infections as a result of exposure to live poultry, and Kentucky had 13 human cases related to two of the 2012 multi-state outbreaks recorded by CDC.
Live poultry may have salmonella germs in their droppings and on their feathers, feet and beaks even when they appear healthy and clean. While salmonella doesn't typically make birds sick, salmonella germs can cause a diarrheal illness in people that ranges from mild to severe and in some cases can even be life threatening. Infants, seniors and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness, the news release said.
DPH recommends following these simple steps to prevent illness:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
- Clean equipment or materials associated with raising or caring for live poultry outside the house, such as cages and feed or water containers.
- Never bring live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms, or especially into areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored, such as kitchens or outdoor patios.
