Safe Handling of Poultry

Raising poultry in your backyard can be extremely rewarding but must be done safely. Any live animal, including poultry, can be a source of potentially harmful germs, including Salmonella and Campylobacter and bacteria such as E. coli. Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli infections can be particularly serious for those who are very young or the elderly.

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Here are some tips for reducing the risk of illness:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens
• Don’t kiss or snuggle with live poultry
• Don’t bring poultry inside the house
• Remove wet bedding regularly to reduce bacterial growth
• Clean and sanitize equipment, such as feeders and waterers, regularly