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April 20, 2000 |
Media Contact: Bonnie Widerburg, 503-731-4180 Technical Contacts:
Oregon, Emilio DeBess DVM, 503-731-4024 |
SALMONELLA INFECTION LINKED TO BABY CHICKS
(PORTLAND) As Easter approaches, health authorities in Oregon and Southwest Washington are urging parents to protect their children from potential Salmonella infection related to handling baby chicks.
Since February, seven confirmed cases of Salmonella Montevideo infection associated with exposure to baby chicks have been identified in Oregon and Southwest Washington, according to public health officials at the Oregon Department of Human Services. Of those cases, five were children younger than five years and two were adults.
The risk of severe illness posed by chicks and ducklings may be highest for children, since Salmonella infections in children may be more severe, and children are often recipients of chicks or ducklings as pets, according to Dr. Emilio De Bess, Oregon's state public health veterinarian.
"Chicks, ducklings and other young fowl may not be appropriate pets for children younger than 5 years or for persons with a weakened immune system," De Bess says.
Most reptiles and many birds shed Salmonella in their feces. Humans become infected when contaminated food, hands, or other objects are placed in the mouth; therefore, hand washing is critical to prevent Salmonella infections following direct or indirect contact with animals.
"People who plan to handle baby chicks and ducklings must remember to wash their hands after playing with these pets," says DeBess.
Health officials offered the following prevention tips:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling baby chicks or any other animal or after coming in contact with their feces.
- Keep your poultry in an outdoor area designated for them and provide proper food and care.
- Do not nuzzle or kiss your poultry or birds.
Symptoms of salmonellosis usually begin 12-72 hours after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Illness usually lasts 4-7 days, and most people will recover without treatment. Infants, children, the elderly and immunocompromised persons are more likely to experience severe illness due to Salmonella that may require treatment and/or hospitalization.
During 1995 and 1996, Idaho, Washington and Oregon identified a similar cluster of infections with Salmonella Montevideo associated with exposure to chicks. In 1999, baby chicks and ducklings given as Easter presents were linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis in Michigan and Missouri.
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