The CDC Is Warning People Not to Snuggle with Their Backyard Chickens
Updated, 6/8/2017: Eight salmonella outbreaks caused by contact with pet chickens have been reported so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The series of outbreaks has infected more than 370 people, and 71 of those victims were hospitalized, The Washington Post reports. Last year, 985 people were infected after petting and cuddling chickens, three of which died. Now the CDC is warning people not to cuddle or kiss their pet chickens in the hopes of preventing more infections.
Original, 7/9/2015: You might know that you can get salmonella for handling or eating raw chicken. But it turns out that you can catch the bacteria from handling the animals themselves.
Vox reports that a salmonella outbreak has affected more than 180 people across the country, and it's being spread by people getting affectionate with chickens. Yes, that's right, cuddling and kissing prized poultry has landed 33 people in the hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning last week about the outbreaks, and how they're directly linked to people keeping chickens in their backyards. A full 86% of infected people who were interviewed had contact with live chickens, ducklings, or other poultry the week before their symptoms appeared. "Many ill people in these outbreaks reported bringing the live poultry into their homes, and others reported kissing or cuddling with the live poultry," officials said in a statement. "These behaviors increase a person's risk of a Salmonella infection."
Salmonella affects about 1 million people every year, causing diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In rare cases it can send you to the hospital, and it can even be fatal. Want to protect yourself? The CDC recommends washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live poultry or anything near where they live. And no matter how sweet they seem, don't let them in your house.
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