Poultry owners are being advised to avoid infection during moments of affection.
The Centers for Disease Control is recommending various methods to limit the spread of salmonella from backyard poultry to humans. The agency says proper hygiene is the key, such as washing hands with soap and water after handling poultry, keeping the birds outside the home and wearing dedicated shoes for tending the flock.
One of the more unusual tips relates to showing the birds some love.
“Don’t kiss backyard poultry or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth,” the CDC notice states.
Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to backyard poultry.
A total of 1003 people infected with the recent outbreak strains of salmonella have been reported from 49 states, the CDC reports.
At least 175 people have been hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported, one from Texas and one from Ohio.
At least 192 of the patients are children younger than 5 years, according to the report.
Read the full report at cdc.gov.
