“Peep, chirp, quack! Live baby poultry, such as chicks, ducklings, goslings, and baby turkeys, often carry harmful germs called Salmonella. After you touch a chick, duck, or other baby bird, or anything in the area where they live and roam, WASH YOUR HANDS so you don’t get sick!” reminds the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Easter brings to mind brightly colored eggs, baskets full of candy, and large chocolate bunnies. Traditions associated with the Easter season are enjoyable for both children and adults. However, some Easter traditions may be of concern for children and place them at risk for illness. Live baby poultry are sometimes given as Easter gifts. During the spring months, they are also put on display at stores where children may be able to touch the birds or areas where they are displayed. Because these birds are so soft and cute, many people do not realize the potential danger that live baby poultry can be, especially to children. Each spring, some children become infected with Salmonella after receiving a chick or other baby bird for Easter. It is important to remember that illness can occur from these baby birds or adult birds at any time of the year, and not just during the Easter season.

Live baby poultry can carry Salmonella and not appear sick, but can spread the germs to people. Children can be exposed to Salmonella by holding, cuddling, or kissing the birds and by touching things where the bird lives, such as cages or feed and water bowls. Young children are especially at risk for illness because their immune systems are still developing and because they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths.

Salmonella can make people sick with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and/or abdominal cramps. Sometimes, people can become so sick from a Salmonella infection that they have to go to the hospital. Infants, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Check out the CDC Website to see questions and answers and for more information on Salmonella infection and how to prevent getting germs from live baby poultry. You may also obtain further information by talking to your health care provider or veterinarian.

[NOTE:] This York Dispatch article, “Animal experts warn bunnies not an easy pet” cautions against impulse pets.