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Health officials warn of disease risk from handling chicks,
ducklings
Three Salmonella cases linked to ducklings bought at
Tractor Supply Co. in Inver Grove Heights
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) investigators have linked three cases of salmonellosis
(illness due to infection with Salmonella bacteria) to ducklings purchased from the Tractor
Supply Company store in Inver Grove Heights. The cases are associated with a multi-state
outbreak of salmonellosis being investigated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
The ill Minnesotans ranged in age from 18 years to 60 years. All three cases were caused by
Salmonella Infantis, which has been previously associated with poultry. The cases occurred from
late March through early April 2013.
While the cases shared the same type of Salmonella, any chick or duck can carry a variety of
Salmonella strains. MDH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Joni Scheftel said the outbreak
underscores the importance of washing your hands thoroughly after handling chicks, ducklings
or other birds.
"Chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children and families this time of year, but
they can also be a source of illness," Dr. Scheftel said. "That is why it is so important for people
handling them to take steps to prevent infection.
According to Dr. Scheftel, young children are especially at risk and are also more likely to
develop serious complications from Salmonella infections. During a similar outbreak of
salmonellosis in 2008, nine of the 14 chick-associated cases were in children less than 12 years
of age. In 2012, Minnesota residents were part of four separate multi-state outbreaks of
salmonellosis associated with chicks.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria carried in the intestines of animals and it can be shed into the
environment. Chicks, ducklings, and other poultry are a recognized source of Salmonella,
especially for children. Birds may shed Salmonella even when they appear healthy, and even a
bird that looks clean can still have enough germs on its feathers or feet to make a person sick.
People typically get Salmonella from poultry by hand-to-mouth contact. Usually this happens
when people handle birds or objects in their environment and then accidentally touch their
mouths or forget to wash their hands before eating or drinking. Salmonellosis can also be
contracted by eating contaminated foods that have not been properly prepared and handled.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Some people are more susceptible to
infection and will have more severe disease. These people include young children, pregnant
women, the elderly, people on chemotherapy, diabetics, and others with weakened immune
systems. Approximately 20 percent of cases reported to MDH are hospitalized. Most people
develop symptoms one to three days after being exposed to Salmonella, and recover in about a
week. It's important for people to be aware that if they've had or are having diarrhea with fever
and have had contact with chicks or ducks, they should consult their health care provider.
Dr. Dale Lauer, an assistant director with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, works with
MDH on the issue of salmonellosis associated with chicks and ducklings. The Minnesota Board
of Animal Health permits and conducts annual inspections of all Minnesota poultry dealers to
ensure that mail order chicks or ducklings originate from approved sources. Inspections are
conducted to confirm that proper feed, water and sanitation requirements are in place and healthy
poultry are available to customers.
"The Board of Animal Health has been working closely with MDH to increase the
implementation of public health precautions at venues where chicks and ducklings are sold and
the availability of Salmonella fact sheets," Lauer said.
Health officials offered some tips for those handling or raising chicks or ducklings:
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Do not let children younger than 5 years of age handle poultry.
Supervise older children when handling poultry and make sure they wash their hands
afterward.
Avoid nuzzling or kissing chicks, ducklings or other poultry.
Do not eat or drink around poultry or their living areas.
Keep poultry outside and especially out of areas where food is prepared.
Do not wash the birds' food and water dishes in the kitchen sink.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling poultry or anything in
their environment.
"Raising poultry can be a wonderful experience for families, but it's important to protect yourself
and your kids from the germs animals can carry," Dr. Scheftel said.
More information can be found online at
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/animal/backyard.html and on the CDC website
at: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SalmonellaBabyBirds/.
If you have any additional questions on this topic please contact Todd County Health and Human
Services at (320)732-4500.