Tractor Supply Chick Alert

[chickmamalee]

My cousin is an Epidemiologist in Nashville and messaged me today to make sure I didn't get my chicks from Tractor Supply. She said they are investigating the hatchery that supplies TSC with their chicks. Confirmed 5 types of Salmonella. Just wanted to send out a heads up. Mine didn't come from there but I do know a few who have gotten theirs at TSC.

 

[Habibs Hens]

here is an article about it so it looks to be true


http://www.twincities.com/localnews...ses-tied-inver-grove-heights-stores-ducklings

 

[Fred's Hens]

Different TSC stores get sourced from different hatcheries. FWIW

 

[Fred's Hens]

Salmonella exists in nature. It is everywhere. As is e-coli and many other organisms. In most cases, it is simply the sheer number and the particular morph of a virulent strain that causes the problems.

This is said not to make light of the situation in Minnesota, but what is happening there would appear to be a localized event, unless we hear otherwise, which seems unlikely. I wouldn't be too concerned since you live in Alabama.

The fact is that safe handling practices must be employed when dealing with poultry.

 

[chickmamalee]

She told me TSC gets their chicks and ducks from Mt. Healthy Hatchery in OH. I really don't know but she is in a position I respect with her job. She just wanted to make sure I knew.

Here is a recent news article about that Hatchery.

http://www.wtva.com/news/local/stor...hio-hatchery/QXyvPgW4-ES3nnorO3pzOA.cspx

From looking back it seems some on this forum have dealt with this from this hatchery in the past. And I know it's something you can have to deal with when you have poultry from anywhere.

I wasn't trying to alarm just wanted to give a heads up. We wash hands constantly and I have hand sanitizer everywhere.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Yes, Some TSCs in some places get some of the bird's from Mt Healthy. But, they also use Townline here in the upper midwest and other hatcheries other places. Since Mt Healthy had an outbreak a year or so ago and were deluged with Federal inspectors, it would very unfortunate if they were once again the source. Thanks for the news link outing Mt Healthy as the source of the outbreak, such news travels very, very fast.

I think in the Minnesota case reported, the story did not identify any hatchery as the source of the outbreak, but seemed to suggest that was from the ducks at that store. It wasn't entirely clear, but that seemed to be the take away.

Children, especially, are at risk when they handle or snuggle chicks or ducklings. Kids put their fingers in their noses, mouths and rub their eyes. This is reality of poultry handling. Wash your hands, of course. Here's to hoping it all works out well.

Thanks for bringing this issue forward. It is important.