Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 600

Salmonella outbreak from backyard chickens affects 600 people in 45 states.

Growing chickens in a backyard can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to any possible health hazards such as starting a Salmonella outbreak across 45 states, with 611 victims as of yet. The first reported outbreak was January 4 and continued to of Salmonella from backyard poultry was January 4 and continued even up until June 2, with 287 confirmed cases of infection.

Currently, at least 138 victims of the Salmonella outbreak were in need of hospitalization, in accordance with information available on 496 cases. In similar situations, the number of victims will slowly grow, up to a point where people are aware of the risks of poultry growing and avoid spreading the disease any further.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) :

“these outbreaks are expected to continue for the next several months since flock owners might be unaware of the risk of Salmonella infection from live poultry or participate in risky behaviors that can result in infection.”

The growing popularity of raising chickens and ducks in a backyard has increased over the years in cities such as Austin, Texas. But there is an inherent danger to this practice, especially if it’s coupled with people that are uninformed about how to manage the animals and avoid diseases.

“Regardless of where they were purchased, all live poultry can carry the Salmonella bacteria, even if they look healthy and clean.”

In order to prevent the spread of Salmonella, the CDC has begun an information campaign that advises consumers and growers alike to:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live poultry or anything in the area where the birds live and roam.
• The poultry grounds and cages need to be kept clean along with the feeders and the water.
• Do not let live poultry inside the house.
• Adult supervision is needed when children with ages lower than five, interact with the poultry.

These types of measures are one of the best ways to avoid spreading any poultry related bacteria since you can’t properly regulate what people want to keep and grow in their backyard as long as it’s meant for personal consumption.

Have you ever grown poultry in your backyard? Or have you been affected by Salmonella from a similar situation? Should people continue to grow chickens in their backyard?

Image Source: Wikipedia