In 2017, live poultry was responsible for 10 Salmonella
outbreaks in the United States, sickening more than 1,100 people across
48 states and killing one. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) warns individuals that contact with live poultry
or their environment can make people sick with Salmonella infections. Live poultry can carry Salmonella bacteria
while still appearing health and clean. Contact with live poultry can
be a source of human Salmonella infections, resulting in the illness
know as salmonellosis.
What is salmonellosis? Salmonellosis is an infection with the bacteria Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella
develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps – an average of 12 to 72
hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most
persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the
diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In
these patients, the salmonella infection may spread from the intestines
to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death
unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly,
infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a
severe illness.
How do people catch Salmonella? Salmonella can live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Live poultry might have Salmonella
germs in their droppings and on their bodies (feathers, feet, and
beaks), even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can get on
cages, coops, feed and water dishes, hay, plants, and soil in the area
where the birds live and roam. Germs also can get on the hands, shoes,
and clothes of people who handle or care for the birds. In addition to
chicks and young birds, reptiles such as turtles, lizards, and snakes
can also carry Salmonella.
People should always wash
their hands immediately after handling a bird or reptile, even if the
animal is healthy, and individuals should avoid placing these pets on or
near food-contact surfaces such as tables or counters. Avoid kissing
birds and reptiles!
https://fyi.uwex.edu/safepreserving/2018/02/19/food-safety-backyard-poultry/
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