How long after chickens can a yard be infectious?

[SamanthaScribe]

Hi there,
Can anyone tell me how long, after having free range backyard chickens and ducks, can the left-over droppings in the yard potentially be infectious with Salmonella? I've searched everywhere and can't seem to find an answer. I know the risk is small, but I have to figure out a time-frame that provides for certainty. I also have to figure out the same question with regard to an indoor environment where chicks were kept - if a spot if missed in cleaning, how long would it take before an infant could safely wander the room with zero concern? Many thanks!

 

[azygous]

With ample sunlight, bacteria should be short lived. But if you wish to be certain, gather a few random poop samples and have your vet run a fecal float test on them.

Viruses are an entirely different matter, however. Some viruses can last weeks, months, and in the case of Marek's, lingers for years in some cases. Fecal tests cannot detect viruses, though.