Don’t let Easter chicks make you sick
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Agriculture is passing along a warning from the Centers for Disease Control as Easter approaches that baby chickens, ducks, and other birds can harbor germs like salmonella that can make people sick.
It is important to make sure that children are monitored when they are handling birds. Anyone handling poultry should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. Touching the eyes, mouth, or face directly after handling live birds can cause sickness.
Children should not be allowed to kiss, nuzzle, eat, or drink during or after handling the birds until after their hands have been thoroughly washed. The same is true when collecting eggs and handling equipment used for poultry.
Salmonella isn’t the only danger. Backyard poultry can also spread bird flu, E. coli, and other infections. For more details go to Backyard Poultry | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC.
