What risk do chicks present to the public if allowed public contact?

What risk do chicks present to the public if allowed public contact?

• A. Salmonella
• B. Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC)
• C. Campylobacter
• D. Cryptosporidium

Answer: (A)

Handling live chicks poses a significant Salmonella exposure risk. Chicks can carry Salmonella without showing illness and shed it in feces, contaminating hands, surfaces, and objects they touch. People—especially young children—can become infected by touching contaminated items and then putting their hands or objects in their mouths. This is a well-recognized source of human salmonellosis linked to hatcheries, pet stores, and backyard flocks, so the public health emphasis is on strict hygiene after contact, careful cleaning of surfaces, and keeping chicks out of kitchens and food areas. While other pathogens can be associated with poultry, Salmonella is the most common and best-documented risk from contact with live chicks.

Handling live chicks poses a significant Salmonella exposure risk. Chicks can carry Salmonella without showing illness and shed it in feces, contaminating hands, surfaces, and objects they touch. People—especially young children—can become infected by touching contaminated items and then putting their hands or objects in their mouths. This is a well-recognized source of human salmonellosis linked to hatcheries, pet stores, and backyard flocks, so the public health emphasis is on strict hygiene after contact, careful cleaning of surfaces, and keeping chicks out of kitchens and food areas.

While other pathogens can be associated with poultry, Salmonella is the most common and best-documented risk from contact with live chicks.