The CDC Says You Shouldn’t Hug Or Kiss Your Chickens After A Salmonella Outbreak

Individuals who like to kiss, hug, and snuggle their chickens should stop immediately. 

The CDC has recently issued an advisory warning against people who are getting too close to their backyard animals, specifically chickens. 

The main concern is that chickens may potentially be spreading salmonella. 

The CDC has stated after investigating the issue that backyard chicken owners need to take precaution when handling their animals.

“Be safe around backyard flocks. Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them,” the CDC wrote. “This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.”

CDC

Currently, 163 confirmed cases have been reported by the CDC across 43 states while children under five years old make up one-third of the cases.

34 out of the 163 reported cases were taken to the hospitals.

“Supervise kids around flocks. Always supervise children around backyard poultry and make sure they wash their hands properly afterward. Don’t let children younger than 5 years touch chicks, ducklings, or other backyard poultry. Young children are more likely to get sick from germs like Salmonella,” the CDC said in their report.

CDC

The CDC has also noted that nobody has died from the reported cases; however with that being said, the CDC said that some cases could go unreported and that not many people are tested for the infection.

Keep in mind that salmonella can cause symptoms such as a fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.