Salmonella?! What do I do now????

[Justso]

I noticed the picture on your avatar, do you have an indoor bird as well?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Super interesting study (2018) about that serotype: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6210005/

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Just see the positive things that came from this:

• Your kids' immune systems have received an upgrade, that particular strain of salmonella bacteria will never be able to infect them again.
• Your kids got a lesson in proper hygiene procedures that they won't forget.
• We all learned much about salmonella.

What was the outcome of the comparison between the salmonella in the humans and in the chickens?

 

[IamRainey]

When I first got chickens about 2 years ago I had 2-3 weeks of stomach aches and wicked diarrhea. I assumed it was salmonella. Never went to see a doctor. It passed. Now I never have it tho I suspect my chickens still do. But it doesn't bother them so it doesn't bother me.

I have touched more chicken poo than I'd admit in public (who ME????). Sometimes I wash my hands. Sometimes I'm still working out in the garden and don't get around to it for a decent amount of time. Nevertheless, I think I've built up a healthy immunity and at 72 I'm glad I've still got a healthy immune system that gets a workout and is equal to what it encounters.

There are studies that indicate that kids who have pets, play outside and eat their share of dirt (still remember what it tastes like 70ish years later!) have healthier immune systems and fewer allergies. You're doing a GOOD thing to provide your kids with a natural environment. And yummy eggs!

Carry on, mom!

 

[Henriettamom919]

They are much better now! Thanks for asking! They each had a good, solid week of misery though....

I'm glad to hear they're on the mend but I'm so sorry they were so sick!

Was it worse than your typical aggressive stomach virus that seems to run through the schools every few years?

 

[Holler Hens]

I noticed the picture on your avatar, do you have an indoor bird as well?

Nope, just borrowed the pic because she was so pretty!

 

[ValerieJ]

So, both of my kids (10 & 6 yo) have tested positive with the same strain of Salmonella. The CDC has done genome testing and it is a strain "common from handling live poultry." They will now be testing a stool sample from my flock for confirmation that is where they contracted it. We have 10 week old Wyandottes that we got from a reputable (we thought) hatchery. My husband is on the verge of getting rid of the chicks, I am not. I have done enough research to make my head spin, but wondered if anyone here has had a similar experience. Most of the articles I've read discuss the human side, but I'm worried about the animal side right now. The kids are under control and healthy. Do we have to cull the flock? Are their eggs going to be safe to eat? My kids are (sadly) banned from the birds for now. We stressed and stressed proper hygiene with them, but obviously something slipped passed us. Any thoughts/advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

I don't know if chickens with salmonella have symptoms, but I can tell you I handle all my chickens, their eggs, coops and runs as if they do. I love them but I don't cuddle them. When I have to handle them, or clean their coops, I wear long sleeves and gloves. I always wash my hands (even though I had gloves on) and sanitize after I've been in the chicken run regardless of whether I actually handled anything chicken.

 

[Holler Hens]

I'm glad to hear they're on the mend but I'm so sorry they were so sick!

Was it worse than your typical aggressive stomach virus that seems to run through the schools every few years?

Oh, it was so much worse. It took a full 7-10 days to get back even close to normal. They couldn't control it in the beginning stages, it hit them so fast. The stomach cramping was terrible, also. And there wasn't anything we could do to help them. Just had to let it run it's course.

 

[Holler Hens]

When I first got chickens about 2 years ago I had 2-3 weeks of stomach aches and wicked diarrhea. I assumed it was salmonella. Never went to see a doctor. It passed. Now I never have it tho I suspect my chickens still do. But it doesn't bother them so it doesn't bother me.

I have touched more chicken poo than I'd admit in public (who ME????). Sometimes I wash my hands. Sometimes I'm still working out in the garden and don't get around to it for a decent amount of time. Nevertheless, I think I've built up a healthy immunity and at 72 I'm glad I've still got a healthy immune system that gets a workout and is equal to what it encounters.

There are studies that indicate that kids who have pets, play outside and eat their share of dirt (still remember what it tastes like 70ish years later!) have healthier immune systems and fewer allergies. You're doing a GOOD thing to provide your kids with a natural environment. And yummy eggs!

Carry on, mom!

We really thought we were doing a good thing! Started to question it after these last few weeks. Hopefully, they are starting to build up their immunity!

 

[Holler Hens]

Just see the positive things that came from this:

• Your kids' immune systems have received an upgrade, that particular strain of salmonella bacteria will never be able to infect them again.
• Your kids got a lesson in proper hygiene procedures that they won't forget.
• We all learned much about salmonella.

What was the outcome of the comparison between the salmonella in the humans and in the chickens?

Still waiting on the results of the chicken sample from the CDC. I will post an update once we get results. Fingers crossed that they don't match!