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From our 4-H Chick Chain project to friends and neighbors, there has been a surge of interest in backyard poultry in recent years. This heightened interest, coupled with reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that it is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella in the United States, means everyone must remain vigilant and informed of best practices to contain the outbreak.
As reported by the CDC, the outbreak has been tracked in 43 states, but not Alabama. Unfortunately, our neighboring states all have cases, and Georgia has one of the highest rates with 9 out of 163. Children are particularly at risk of catching salmonella, with a variety of possible serious symptoms.
We know how salmonella spreads and how to stop it, and luckily, basic biosecurity techniques are straightforward and easy to follow.
First of all, remember that your backyard poultry flock is made up of farm animals, not pets. As cute and tempting as it may be to snuggle up or kiss your ducks or chickens, don’t. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your birds or their cage / living environment.
Also, be sure to clean your shoes and disinfect them after walking around your poultry – most birds are not clean, so wherever they walk you risk following their waste through your shoes. Don’t eat or drink around your bird.
The term biosecurity can conjure up Hollywood images from movies like “Outbreak” or, more recently, COVID-19 precautions with HAZMAT suits and heavy-duty masks, but biosecurity is also important to your backyard herd.
Chickens and other poultry can carry Salmonella and show no outward signs, so do your part to keep your flock, friends, family and community safe by taking these biosecurity precautions to heart.
If you have any questions about our backyard poultry, biosecurity or any other extension program, please contact us or drop by our office at 3200-A W. Meighan Blvd. in Gadsden, call us at 256-547-7936 or visit us on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3otwUdl or online at https://bit.ly/3yniPCx.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is an equal opportunities educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs.
Eric Wright is Extension Coordinator for the Etowah County Extension Office.
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