Salem-News.com Easter articles

As Pets, Baby Chicks and Ducklings Aren`t What They`re Quacked Up to Be

As spring arrives, avoid buying baby poultry as they may carry dangerous salmonella bacteria

(SALEM, Ore.) - Spring is the season when people purchase "baby chicks" for their backyard poultry flocks or to give as Easter gifts, but one public health expert advises caution around these cute, fuzzy birds.

Since 2010, nine outbreaks of illnesses caused by salmonella bacteria from chicks have occurred, affecting at least 37 confirmed salmonellosis cases and many more suspected cases.