In the last seven years, New Mexico has had 19 human cases of Salmonella related to baby chicks/ducklings. Many of the cases were in young children.
"Salmonella is often present in the droppings of chicks and other baby birds, even though the animals themselves usually won't show signs of illness," said Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward. "That makes it easy for people to let their guard down, and that's when they run the risk of getting Salmonella."
Early symptoms of Salmonella in people include fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These symptoms develop one to three days after exposure to baby chicks and their droppings. Other symptoms might include nausea, chills or headaches.
"Salmonella infection can occur when parents keep the baby birds inside the house and allow their small children to handle and snuggle with them," said Dr. Paul Ettestad, state public health veterinarian at the Department of Health. "Other cases were brought on when parents didn't wash their hands properly after handling the birds, indirectly giving the infection to their children."
Visit your physician if you experience abdominal pain, fever and/or diarrhea.