Pet chickens and other poultry have been linked to increased cases of salmonella, especially when they are being handled with affection, a warning from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated.
Salmonella cases have been recorded at 181 across 40 states as of June 29 this year, and this is due to more people taking backyard chickens with them indoors.
The new data from the agency mentioned that of all infected people who were interviewed, 86 percent had reported coming in contact with chicks and ducklings.
Those who owned live poultry also kept their chickens as indoor pets and get affectionate with them by kissing and cuddling.
"We do not recommend snuggling or kissing the birds or touching them to your mouth," said CDC veterinarian Megin Nichols, adding that it is one way of getting salmonella infection, according to NPR.org.
The CDC also warned that even chickens that appear healthy can also be a source of salmonella. The agency said that "live baby poultry" that look healthy can still carry the bacteria and spread them to people, as reported in CBS News.
Salmonella bacteria are normal residents in the guts of humans and animals. An infection occurs when people eat contaminated food.
Symptoms of a salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, Live Science reported. Most people recover from the illness after a week, but some would experience severe symptoms that lead to hospital admissions.
According to CDC, death may result if the infection spreads into the blood and no immediate treatment of antibiotics are given.
CDC is calling out to people to avoid being affectionate with pet poultry to avoid bacterial transmission. Chicks may seem too adorable and cuddly to resist, but they can harbor germs that can be fatal to health.
The agency advised that anyone who comes in contact with live poultry should observe proper hand washing after.
