Surge in Poultry-Related Salmonella Cases: CDC Urges Precautions When Handling Farm Animals

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that one person has died and at least 86 individuals have been brought to the hospital due to the latest flare-up of salmonella last Wednesday. Additionally, they said that the increase in pet poultry-related disease has risen to about twice the number of cases reported about the same time last year.

The CDC announced that at least 368 people have been reportedly getting ill since May 20. This brings the year's poultry-related salmonella cases to about 465 in 42 states. Furthermore, it was reported that one person from Oklahoma died from the infection.

Additionally, about one third of the people getting sick from salmonella are young children under five years old. The CDC warns that it's best that children don't touch live poultry since they are more vulnerable to getting a severe infection.

Also Read: Salmonella Caused By Cuddling And Kissing A Chicken

Poultry, the Source of Salmonellosis

According to Nemours Kids Health, salmonellosis is a foodborne disease induced by infection with Salmonella bacteria. Some people get it from ingesting contaminated food such as eggs, meat, poultry, or milk.

Raising birds and farmyard animals can be pretty fun and is becoming an increasingly popular fad for many. Some would even say that they prefer the companionship of birds more than the conventional pets, such as dogs or cats.

Evidently, media reports that at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, hatcheries nationwide have been seeing increases for orders of the birds. This may also stem from the fascination of some people wanting to know where their food comes from, aside from getting their eggs fresh from the source right in their backyard.

The CDC warns that although the hobby can be fun and educational, families should be aware of the dangers it may bring, particularly to children. The health regulating body sends out warnings about the risks of contracting salmonella from backyard flocks.

Furthermore, the agency reports that there has been more than a dozen surges of the illness connected to live poultry since 2011.

What to Do to Prevent Salmonella Infection?

Poultry such as chickens, turkey, geese, and ducks can carry salmonella in their digestive tracks. The bacteria goes into their droppings and sometimes into their eggs and feathers. While the bacteria does not create any adverse reactions to the chicken, people who catch it could experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

To avoid further surge in cases, the CDC suggests that when going into backyard flocks, people should wear separate shoes for indoors and outdoors. In addition, hand washing is also an important practice to prevent catching the disease.

Another safe practice is to cook poultry products well, ensuring that it is cooked all the way through. Eating raw or barely cooked eggs could also increase the likelihood of contracting the disease.

Finally, the CDC advises that although chickens and other poultry may seem like adorable house pets, it is best to keep them outdoors and to avoid snuggling or kissing them. They say that prevention is still better than cure.