RELEASE: Health officials warn against baby poultry as Easter gifts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2025
Health officials warn against baby poultry as Easter gifts
Chicks, ducklings linked to Salmonella risk
SANTA FE – Despite their seasonal appeal, baby chicks and ducklings pose significant health risks as Easter gifts, particularly for young children.
Children who handle, snuggle, or keep poultry inside homes face increased exposure to Salmonella bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.
There are between 100-130 cases of Salmonella reported in children each year in New Mexico, according to data compiled by the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau.
“Even healthy-looking birds can shed Salmonella, which can cause serious infection,” said Sarah Shrum Davis , an epidemiologist with NMDOH’s Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau. “To prevent infection, children under 5 should not handle poultry. Make sure older children wash their hands after handling birds or their eggs. And do not kiss or snuggle live poultry.”
Among other preventive measures:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live baby poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.
Do not let live baby poultry inside the house or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored, such as kitchens and pantries.
Consult your doctor if you or your children experience abdominal pain, fever and/or diarrhea.
To learn more, visit: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/eip/foodnet/salmonella/ or
https://cdc.gov/salmonella/prevention/index.html
###
NMHealth
Robert Nott , Communications Director | robert.nott@doh.nm.gov | (505) 479-0147
NMHealth works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.
New Mexico Department of Health | 1190 S St Francis Dr | Santa Fe, NM 87505 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice