The springtime event known as "Chick Days" marks the time when local stores begin offering baby chicks, ducklings, and other poultry for sale to the general public. As "Chick Days" typically are in full swing around Easter, many parents purchase chicks for their children to pose with or for a special surprise in their Easter baskets. While baby chicks and ducklings can make for a cute surprise, unfortunately, they can also pose some serious health risks to people --- particularly children --- due to the potential for exposure to bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. There is also ongoing concern due to the recent outbreaks of avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu.
This year, "Chick Days" started March 1 and will continue through the summer.
Backyard poultry such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys can carry germs even if they look healthy, appear clean, and show no signs of illness. However, looks can be deceiving, and there have been multiple outbreaks in America linked to backyard poultry.
Symptoms of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli that people may experience include:
People who catch the bird flu virus usually do so after close, long-term contact with live, domesticated poultry. Symptoms can be mild to serious and typically show up within a week to two weeks of contact with the virus. Common symptoms include:
Whether you are spending time posing for pictures with baby chicks or making a long-term commitment to raise flocks of backyard poultry, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from disease:
In the unfortunate event of flock illness or death, it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian and/or the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI).