Salmonella

[Tltodd]

Hi, One ever heard of a small child Child getting salmonella from just touching the wire on the chicken coop and then possibly putting their hands in their mouth if they hadn’t washed their hands? The chickens are showing no sign of salmonella but I have heard that there is an outbreak in the neighboring city?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Anything is possible. I have probably consumed my fair share of poop and spit from all types of critters in my lifetime. I personally think a little dirt builds character and an immune system.

Try to have you kids wash their hands after handling anything chicken, but you can't prevent everything.

 

[JaeG]

Salmonella is more likely to be picked up from food especially fresh produce rinsed in contaminated water, or raw meat juices coming into contact with other food items (salads etc). Rodents can also carry it, infecting food in warehouses.

We have lots of birds, both indoor and out, and I'm sure there are plenty of times the kids and I haven't washed our hands after handling them, but we've never been sick. And the birds get plenty of kisses. People (especially the media) do like to scare monger though!

This is a good article: https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...lla-a-concern-with-backyard-chickens-H19.aspx