Kids handling chicks and salmonella

[MydearWatson]

Glad you posted this question, I am a little concerned about it too. I am thinking of just putting hand sanitizer by the brooder (and later on the coop) and making everyone use it. All you can do is your best to try and prevent it, I guess.

 

[suzeqf]

i keep a bottle of hand santizer beside my brooder and when we get done handling anything chicken related we use it and when my 2 yo neice handles a chick i put it on her before and after she handles a chick and so far so good

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
There are hundreds of types of salmonella, some only affect the birds, some affect humans. The basic NPIP program tests for two that can greatly affect flock health, S. Pullorum and S. Gallinarum, but those generally don't affect people.

S. Enteritidis does not affect the birds themselves, but can cause serious problems with people. This was the cause of the big recall last summer.

I wouldn't say most flocks don't have it, especially when you don't know what "it" is. Numerous types of salmonella are ever present in the environment and backyard flocks are just as susceptible as commercial flocks.

As far as kids handling the birds? Let them have at it. Then have them wash their hands.

 

[galanie]

All chickens are susceptible but the problem with commercial flocks is sanitation: Backyard flocks are normally in a much better environment and it doesn't get a chance to build up and take hold fast like in crowded barns or battery cages.

 

[claudicles]

Thank you all. Hand sanitiser sounds like a good idea. Obviously it doesn't affect physical cleansing of the hands but the anti microbial effect is excellent.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Here is some good info:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/

 

[mommto3kiddos]

I think hamsters are more nasty and more likely to get your kids sick!! lol

Just make sure you wash after handeling (kids & adults)

 

[mommas_got_peeps]

WAsh Wash WaSh!!! That would be the retentive pediatric nurse in me coming out. I have a 3 year old that loves to be with the peeps and she is trained to automatically run to the sink after we do anything them....then stands there patiently till I get there and help

 

[crossgirl]

I always wash my hands after handling my children. Nasty, germ infested little things, they are.

 

[Mommysongbird]

We use LOTS of hand sanitizer, have a bottle right beside the brooder box (has been there since incubation period) and my son uses it both before and after handling our chicks.