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, ducks, 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.