An outbreak of salmonellosis in Minnesota has been linked to ducklings purchased from the Tractor Supply Company store in Inver Grove Heights, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The cases are associated with a multistate outbreak that is being investigated by the CDC.
The patients range in age from 18 to 60 years. All three cases are caused by Salmonella Infantis. The illness onset dates range from late March through early April 2013.
MDH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Joni Scheftel said that anyone who handles ducklings, chicks, or other birds should wash their hands thoroughly after contact. “Chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children and families this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness. That is why it is so important for people handling them to take steps to prevent infection.”
Young children are more at risk for these infections and are also more likely to develop serious complications from a Salmonella infection. The Salmonella bacteria is carried in the intestines of animals and is shed into the environment. Live birds are a recognized source of Salmonella. The birds can shed the pathogenic bacteria even when they look healthy.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Anyone in a high risk group, which includes the young, pregnant women, the elderly, diabetics, people receiving chemotherapy, those with a chronic illness or compromised immune system, can have a more severe form of the disease. About 20% of the cases reported to MDH are hospitalized.
Public health officials offer this advice: Do not let children younger than 5 handle poultry and supervise older children when they touch live birds. Make sure they wash their hands afterward. Avoid nuzzling or kissing chicks, ducklings, or other poultry. Don’t eat or drink around poultry or their living areas. Keep poultry outside, especially out of the kitchen. Don’t wash birds’ food or water dishes in the kitchen sink. And wash your hands well after handling poultry or anything in their environment.
