Health officials warn against baby poultry as Easter gifts

SANTA FE – Despite their seasonal appeal, baby chicks and ducklings pose significant health risks as Easter gifts, particularly for young children.

Children who handle, snuggle, or keep poultry inside homes face increased exposure to Salmonella bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

There are between 100-130 cases of Salmonella reported in children each year in New Mexico, according to data compiled by the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau.

“Even healthy-looking birds can shed Salmonella, which can cause serious infection,” said Sarah Shrum Davis, an epidemiologist with NMDOH’s Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau. “To prevent infection, children under 5 should not handle poultry. Make sure older children wash their hands after handling birds or their eggs. And do not kiss or snuggle live poultry.”

Among other preventive measures:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live baby poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. 
• Do not let live baby poultry inside the house or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored, such as kitchens and pantries.  
• Consult your doctor if you or your children experience abdominal pain, fever and/or diarrhea.  
• To learn more, visit: nmhealth.org or the Centers for Disease Control.

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