Chicks for Easter
|
Posted by Judy Arbique Mar 30, 2007 |
With Easter only a week away, some of you may be thinking of purchasing live baby chicks as Easter gift for your children. Baby chicks are cute and cuddly, but pose a risk for those who receive them as pets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn of the risk of contracting Salmonella infection from chicks. Last spring, 81 people contracted salmonella from chicks, 16 of whom were hospitalized for their illness. The salmonella outbreaks occurred around Easter, and some of these cases were believed to be contracted from chicks given as Easter gifts.
The illnesses that occurred last year were traced to three hatcheries in Michigan, New Mexico and Washington state, but birds may be widely distributed from hatcheries to pet stores and feed stores. Even if the chicks "look" clean, they may harbour salmonella in their feet or feathers. Salmonella is commonly found living in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens and is spread through their feces.
Young children are more susceptible to infection than adults are, and their lack of hygiene skills promote infection when the chicks are handled and then fingers and hands find their way into mouths.
Related Content:
