Chicken Owners Need to Take Precautions to Prevent the Spread of Disease

Sunday, February 26th, 2023 -- 8:00 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) As spring approaches, backyard poultry owners and educators may be preparing for hatching season, which also means taking precautions against the spread of disease, according to the Wisconsin Ag Connection.

"Even in a small and controlled environment, biosecurity threats are present," says Samantha Lahman, North Dakota State University Extension 4-H youth development specialist in animal science. "It is important that those working with poultry are prepared to keep these newly hatched birds and the people in contact with them healthy."

All people and animals carry populations of germs and other organisms on and in their bodies. Zoonotic organisms are those that pose a health risk to animals and people. Some zoonotic organisms are harmless to animal carriers but can cause disease in humans.

According to NDSU Extension veterinarian Dr. Gerald Stokka, bacteria are often responsible for disease in backyard poultry. "Even birds that look healthy and clean can transmit bacterial organisms like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter," cautions Dr. Stokka. "These bacteria are found in the droppings of poultry and can be found on the bodies of birds even when birds show no signs of illness."

The bacteria spreads to bedding, cages, water dishes, feeders, desks and countertops, and to the hands of those handling the birds. While people often associate these bacterial infections with eating raw or undercooked poultry, infections can happen from being in close contact with contaminated equipment, handling poultry and eggs.

Infections can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Good biosecurity and hygiene procedures can greatly reduce the risk of contamination and illness.

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