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A Public Health Perspective Backyard Chickens – For the Ogden City Council August 29, 2017 Prepared by the Weber-Morgan Health Department ---PAGE BREAK--- Reportable Disease Investigations • Public health routinely asks about exposure to live poultry during applicable disease investigations. • Live poultry often carry germs such as Salmonella. • Microscopic bacteria can live in their droppings, on their skin, feathers, feet and beaks, cages, coops, water dishes, plants and soil where the birds live and roam. ---PAGE BREAK--- General Prevention Advice • Children, elderly and anyone with suppressed immune systems are most at risk. • Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water is vitally important if you’re handling birds or items related to their living area. • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. • Do not nuzzle or kiss chicks or adult birds. • Failure to maintain a clean coop could result in sanitation issues such as flies, rodents and other animals seeking food. ---PAGE BREAK--- Prevention in the Home • Don’t prepare food, eat or drink in areas where the birds live and roam. • Keep a dedicated pair of footwear in a separate area outside of the home. • Clean cages and related equipment outside. • Do not bring live poultry inside the home, especially in the kitchen. • Clean toys and other items that contact areas where birds roam. ---PAGE BREAK--- Preventing Foodborne Illness Related to Eggs • Maintain a clean coop. • Collect eggs often and refrigerate immediately. • Remove dirt and debris with cloth and fine sandpaper. • Do not wash eggs. Washing can draw germs inside the egg. • Cook eggs thoroughly. Raw, runny and undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria that can make you sick. ---PAGE BREAK--- • The Centers for Disease Control reports that outbreaks linked to contact with live poultry have increased in recent years as more people keep backyard flocks. • In 2016, a record number of illnesses nationwide were linked to contact with backyard poultry. • For more information: Reported Trends ---PAGE BREAK--- Reported Trends . . . continued Year Outbreaks Investigated Total Cases States Hospitalizations Deaths Cases in Utah 2017 10 961 48 215 1 28 2016 8 895 48 209 3 4 2015 4 252 23 63 0 6 2014 1 363 43 63 0 2 2013 2 514 46 91 0 15 2012 3 334 42 +1 Territory 68 3 6 Multistate Outbreaks of Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks ---PAGE BREAK---