MOSES LAKE — Spring is in full swing and the Grant County Health District (GCHD) is cautioning residents to reduce the risk of salmonella exposure by being careful around ducklings, chicks and other live poultry.

Chickens, duck, geese, turkeys and other domestic fowl — especially baby poultry — often carry harmful germs called salmonella, according to a release from the Health District. While many Grant County residents enjoy the benefits of having “backyard chickens” and other poultry, the GCHD cautions that “it is important to consider the risk of illness, especially for children, which can result from handling, cuddling, or kissing live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.”

Salmonella lives naturally in the intestines of poultry and other animals, according to the GCHD – including organically-fed poultry. Live poultry can have the germs in their droppings or on their bodies (feathers, feet and beaks) even if they have a healthy, clean appearance.

The germs can also be found on cages, coops, feed and water dishes, plants, and soil in the birds’ living area. People who handle the birds may also have salmonella germs on their hands, shoes, and clothing.

People can become sick when salmonella germs get into their mouths, according to the Health District. Anyone can get the infection, but children are at higher risk of becoming sick for a number of reasons, including because they have developing immune systems, are less likely to wash their hands, and frequently put their hands in their mouths.

Due to the higher salmonella risk, the GCHD recommends that children under the age of 5 not touch chicks, ducklings or other live poultry. Additionally, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems have increased risk of getting the salmonella infection.

Salmonella typically does not make the birds carrying the germs sick, but it can cause serious illness in people, per the Health District’s release. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and stomach pain between one and three days after contact with the germ. Other possible symptoms include nausea, chills, headaches and general achiness. Young children and people with weak immune symptoms can experience more severe infections that require seeing a doctor or hospitalization.

The Grant County Health District suggests taking the following measure to reduce the risk of being infected with salmonella from live poultry:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after touching live poultry or anything in the area they live or roam. Adults should supervise young children washing their hands.

• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.

• Shoes worn in chicken coops or other poultry living areas should be taken off before entering the home. Wash hands after removing soiled clothes and shoes.

• If you collect eggs for eating, cook them until the white and yolk are firm (145 degrees). Salmonella can pass from healthy looking hens into the interior of normal-looking eggs.

• Eggs not cooked right away should be promptly refrigerated in a separate container. Always wash hands after handling eggs.

• If you have free-roaming live poultry, assume their living and roaming space is contaminated.

• Do not let children younger than 5, older adults, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other live poultry.

• Do not let children snuggle, kiss or touch chicks with their mouths.

• Do not eat or drink in areas where the birds live or roam.

• Do not let chicks or other live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms, and especially in areas where food is prepared, served, or stored (kitchens or outdoor patios, for example).

• Do not clean any equipment or materials associated with raising or caring for live poultry (like cages or feed and water containers) inside the house.