Feds: Backyard flocks sicken people in 44 states [Chickens]

CBS ^ | July 23, 2018, 5:21 PM | By Kate Gibson

[Red Badger]

Live poultry in backyard flocks are linked to several multistate outbreaks of salmonella infections that have now sickened 212 people in 44 states, federal health officials warned Monday.

The most recent illnesses began on June 21, with 88 of the cases reported in the last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, said in an advisory. The federal agency is working with multiple states in investigating several outbreaks of salmonella infections linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks, it said.

A half-dozen strains of salmonella bacteria have sickened people starting in the middle of February, with 34 of the 212 sickened people hospitalized. More than a quarter of those stricken were under the age of 5, according to the CDC. Young children are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing, and they're more likely to put items like fingers and pacifiers in their mouths.

The six states so far not affected are North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. The District of Columbia was also spared.

People infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella, by state of residence, as of July 13, 2018 (n=212) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Chicks and ducklings from multiple hatcheries have been tied to the outbreaks, and many of the people stricken reported getting chicks and ducklings from sources including feed supply stores, websites, hatcheries and relatives, said the agency. It added that some of the infections have proven difficult to treat with common antibiotics, requiring another type to be used.

Birds can carry salmonella bacteria even though they may appear healthy and clean, and people can be infected by touching live poultry or objects in their environment, the health agency cautioned. "Even handling baby birds displayed at stores can cause a salmonella infection," the CDC said.

Health officials advise washing with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything nearby. They also advise not letting live birds inside the house, especially where food or drink is prepared, served or stored. Also, no kissing or snuggling with birds only to then touch your face or mouth.

Raising chickens in urban areas is a growing trend, with Las Vegas one of the latest cities to approve residential coops. A study of 50 of the most populated U.S. cities found 93 percent allow backyard flocks. In 2013, almost 1 percent of all U.S. households surveyed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported owning backyard fowl, and 4 percent more planned to start in the next five years.

[Bigg Red]

You are probably right.

[Bigg Red]

I live in a semi-rural area that is not infested with too many illegals, so I was not prepared for this charming cultural practice when we traveled to NYC 2 years ago. Could not believe the piles of used toilet paper on the floor. And I am an old woman who need to make frequent potty breaks.

Perhaps it would help if the poor individuals who have to clean up this disgusting mess posted signs in Spanish explaining that it is perfectly okay to flush the paper.

[Bigg Red]

And wash your hands after handling eggs for cooking.

[Bigg Red]

Good point.

[Vigilanteman]

Backyard chickens were much more common when I was a pup as well. Of course, we gave them plenty of room to run and cleaned up their litter once the spring thaw started. By April or early May, we plowed it into the garden to further enrich the soil.

People getting sick from chickens was unheard of back in those days.

[Balding_Eagle]

Don’t speak ill of the illegals.

They’re working in our restaurant kitchens.

[Georgia Girl 2]

This is pretty common sense stuff folks. We have a backyard flock of four hens. I wear gloves when handling them and while cleaning their coop. I love my chooks but don’t kiss or hug them. And always wash hands after.

[Vaduz]

Good luck with the odor.

[4yearlurker]

As a kid in the late 1960s and early 1970s I worked on many chicken farms in South Jersey. No Salmonella. However I never kissed a hen either. I did lop off a few of their heads though.

[Texicanus]

If you’re going to keep your chickens as healthy pets, you might consider de-worming them occasionally. Also avoid feeding them meat scraps.

My first pet, at age 3, was a Rhode Island red hen named “Pet” (duh). Mama only let me play with the chickens because she thought I played too rough for a dog or cat. Nope, no dog or cat until I was older and could handle the responsibility.

Now chickens are fast as greased lightning and it was fun catching and tossing them down the hole in the outhouse. On a good day, I could catch several.

Of course Mama did not approve and I got my pants busted. As I sat broken hearted and crying, one of the chickens walked up and I began to pet her. Thus began a relationship that was to last until Mama sold the flock.

I still remember Mama pulling the chickens out of the outhouse and hosing them down with the water hose. I still remember running through the chicken yard bare footed. I still remember ol’ “Pet” after 70 years and wonder whatever happened to her.

And I still remember Grandma’s homemade lye soap (and the color and fragrance of bacon grease) when it came time to wash your face and hands or bathe. It killed every organism known to man back then.

Yep, mankind has come a long way since those times.

[Safetgiver]

I still remember ol’ “Pet” after 70 years and wonder whatever happened to her.Do you remember that Sunday dinner in ‘66 when....?

[Red Badger]

If I had thrown chickens down the hole in the outhouse I would have my but set on fire!.................

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Exactly!

[Texicanus]

If I had thrown chickens down the hole in the outhouse I would have my but set on fire!.,

Mama could bust my a$$ but only Dad could set it on fire. That was his department and I learned not mess around when Mama said she was going to tell Dad what I had done.

Like the time I put the ol' rooster under the wash tub and left him there for the rest of the day. The ol' rooster would jump me everytime I crossed the chicken yard so I felt it was a "stand your ground" defense situation. Mama found him late that night (dead as a door knob) when he didn't make roll call at the chicken house.

She went straight to Dad. He pulled his belt from around his waist and proceeded to lay a good a$$ whooping on me. I still remember it to this day. He said a few good words about love and proceeded to set my little a$$ on fire. Then it was straight to bed without supper.

BTW, back then, minors didn't have lawyers and legal rights until they reached adulthood.

[SunkenCiv]

The Adventures Of Chickenman

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/earwolf/the-adventures-of-chickenman
https://www.earwolf.com/show/chickenman/
http://www.the60sofficialsite.com/Chickenman-Weekly-Episodes.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/obituaries/ct-met-dick-orkin-obituary-20171227-story.html

[Grimmy]

In a country of how many hundreds of millions, 200ish get sick from mishandling birds.

I wonder how long until that’s used as rationalization for simply outlawing owning of food birds.

[Red Badger]

Just remember:

Laws aren’t made to protect YOU.
Laws are made to protect THEM...................

[GOPJ]

Keeping chickens is also a status symbol among 'elites'...

Elites who know ZERO about livestock or caring for chickens. Biggest hint for these folks: WASH HANDS AFTER TOUCHING OR DEALING WITH BIRDS, FEED, OR CAGES...