Not a joke. Because of a recent salmonella outbreak that, according to reports, has left 1 dead in Texas, the CDC is saying you shouldn't kiss your chickens.

That also includes snuggling your chickens, and letting your backyard chickens into the house near places where you prep/serve food.

From the CDC website:

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water right after touching backyard poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.

    • Adults should supervise hand washing by young children.
    • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
  • Don’t let backyard poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored.

  • Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside of the house.

  • Children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness shouldn’t handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other poultry.

  • Don’t eat or drink where poultry live or roam.

  • Don’t kiss backyard poultry or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth.

  • Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for poultry, such as cages, or feed or water containers.

For more information, be sure to check out the CDC's website by following this link.

The symptoms to look for  are diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. Illness usually lasts 4-7 days, and most people recover without treatment.

It is dangerous in children younger than 5, and in adults 65 and older.

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