CDC Warns Public Against Easter Chicks

CDC News:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning the public to the dangers associated with giving baby chicks and ducklings as Easter gifts.

Because they are soft and cute, many people do not realize the potential danger baby chicks and ducklings can be to small children, says the CDC.

Young birds often carry harmful bacteria called Salmonella. And, each spring some children become infected with Salmonella after receiving a baby chick or duckling for Easter.

Harmful bacteria carried in the chick’s and duckling’s intestine contaminates their environment and the entire surface of the animal.

Children can be exposed to the bacteria by simply holding, cuddling, or kissing the birds.

Children are most susceptible to infection because they are more likely than others to put their fingers into their mouths and because their immune systems are still developing.

Others at increased risk include persons with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, the elderly and other immunocompromised persons.

Q&A:

Why should I not buy chicks and ducklings as Easter gifts?

Each spring there is an increase in demand from hatcheries and farms to supply young animals for Easter. To meet the demand, chicks are specially hatched in large quantities and are shipped around the country. Hatching and shipping many animals at one time increases the stress upon the chicks and ducklings and makes them more prone to disease. The likelihood of shedding Salmonella bacteria and infecting others increases.

How is Salmonella transmitted?

Children become infected by putting their fingers or other things contaminated with chick stool into their mouths. Chicks and ducklings often do not appear dirty but may have feces on their feathers and beaks – places where children are likely to touch.

How do I know if a chick or duckling has Salmonella?

Many chicks and young birds carry Salmonella in their feces. It is difficult to know if chicks are carrying Salmonella because they will not usually show signs of illness.

How do I reduce the exposure of young children to Salmonella from chicks and ducklings?

a. Do NOT purchase live animals as Easter gifts. Give toy stuffed animals instead.
b. Do not let children under 5 years of age handle baby chicks or other young birds. Keep them from coming into contact with packages in which chicks or ducklings arrive.
c. If anyone touches the chicks or ducklings or their environment, make sure that they wash their hands immediately afterwards. Pacifiers, toys, bottles or other objects should not touch the baby birds or their enclosures. If these objects do become contaminated, wash them with warm soapy water.
d. Do not allow anyone to eat or drink while interacting with birds or their environment. Keep the bird area separate from areas where food and rink are prepared or consumed. Do not allow chicks or ducklings on table surfaces or places where food will be prepared or eaten.
e. Talk to your veterinarian, nurse or doctor about possible risk factors.

What are the signs of Salmonella infections in humans?

Salmonellosis (sal-mon-el-OH-sis) is a disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella. Most people have diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain that starts 1 to 3 days after they ingest the bacteria. These symptoms usually resolve after 1 week. Other symptoms might be nausea, chills, headaches or general achy feeling. Young children, the elderly and other immunocompromised persons may have a more severe infection. Occasionally, infections are so severe that people have to see a doctor or be hospitalized.

How are Salmonella infections diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is obtained from culture of Salmonella from the stool. Treatments are usually supportive, consisting of fluid therapy and pain relief. Antibiotics should only be used to treat severe cases of illness because antibiotics may prolong the disease and many strains of Salmonella are resistant to antibiotics.

Are there any government restrictions concerning the sale of chicks?

At this time the federal government has no restrictions concerning the sale of chicks and ducklings. State governments have recognized the risk of Salmonella to young children and have passed restrictions for pet stores and local agencies that prohibit the sale of baby chicks around Easter.

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