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Birds & Salmonella

Salmonella lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, including birds. Many types of birds, ranging from boiler chickens to exotic pets to ducklings, have been associated with Salmonella outbreaks. Whether eating a bird or keeping one as a pet, Salmonella poisoning remains a risk. The illness can be deadly in some cases.

  1. Bird to Bird Transmission

    • All species of birds are susceptible to salmonella infection, according to the National Wildlife Health Center. The bacteria is easily spread from bird to bird via direct contact and by ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces from an infected bird. Signs off illness include ruffled feathers, diarrhea and lethargy. Some birds carry the infection but show no signs of illness, making it difficult for bird owners to separate the healthy from the ill until it's too late.

    Bird to Human Transmission

    • According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), birds infected with Salmonella shed the bacteria through feces, feather dust, and nasal or ocular secretions. The infection is most frequently transmitted from birds to humans via the inhalation of contaminated air, according to Avian Biotech International. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that Salmonellosis can be contracted by humans' coming in contact with bird feces, cages and other materials which have come in contact with infected birds or their feces.

    Salmonella in Pet Birds

    • The CDC warns that Salmonella is one of the primary diseases associated with pet birds that can potentially be transmitted to humans. Although it is unlikely that a non-exotic, non-farm pet bird will have Salmonella, the CDC warns that the danger is in not knowing, primarily because an infected pet will not necessarily seem sick. Imported birds or wild-caught birds pose a greater risk, as several Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to birds from other countries.

    Salmonella in Chicks and Ducklings

    • The CDC warns not to buy baby chicks as pets for children because baby chicks are prone to carrying Salmonella, and young children are at high risk of becoming deathly ill if they get infected by the bacteria. Because babies and toddlers, especially, tend to put things in their mouths and touch their mouths after petting animals, the risk is worth protecting children from. Salmonella has also been linked to ducklings. In April of 1991, for example, a Salmonella outbreak was caused by baby ducks as well as chicks. The CDC reported that three states identified 22 cases of Salmonella hadar infection in that outbreak.

    Salmonella in Poultry and Eggs

    • Most U.S. cases of Salmonella illness occur when the bacteria is transmitted by humans' eating foods contaminated with animal feces, according to the CDC. This includes poultry and eggs. Although thoroughly cooking contaminated poultry to 165 degrees will kill the bacteria, according to the USDA, cross-contamination can still cause an illness. For example, if raw chicken touches a sink or cutting board or counter top or knife and is not properly sterilized before someone else or a different food comes into contact with it, someone may still get sick. The illness can be further spread by an infected person not washing her hands after going to the bathroom and then coming into contact with another person or food.

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