The Florida Department of Health (DOH) issued a warning Thursday to residents and visitors to take extra care when handling chicks and ducklings, as they pose a potential health risks of Salmonella.
While raising and handling chicks and ducklings can be an enjoyable experience, Salmonella, a common cause of food-borne illness, can come from these and other birds, even when they are healthy and appear clean, DOH said.
The Health Department recommends taking certain steps to prevent Salmonella. These steps include:
- Always wash your and your children’s hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching chicks, ducklings and other birds.
- Chicks and ducklings are not appropriate pets for children under 5 years old.
- Don’t nuzzle or kiss chicks and ducklings.
- Keep chicks and ducklings in a designated area away from the kitchen and family living spaces.
- Never handle baby birds or other animals while you or your children are eating.
- Don’t use the kitchen sink to clean cages, feed or water containers.
Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain that start one to three days after the bacteria are ingested. These symptoms usually resolve after one week. Other symptoms might be nausea, chills, headaches or general achy feeling. Young children, the elderly and other immunocompromised persons may have a more severe infection. Occasionally, infections are so severe that people have to see a doctor or be hospitalized.
More than 6,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in Florida annually.
For additional information on Salmonella chicks and ducklings please visit: www.myfloridaeh.com
