Salmonellosis : the domestic hens at risk for the man

Mark Henderson / Rex Fe/REX/SIPA

Published the 06.09.2017 at 14h43

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The chickens are popular with families, more likely to adopt them as pets. And for good reason : the chicken is an animal, endearing and affectionate, the soft plumage, which in addition makes it possible to feed a household in eggs. But being around chickens is not without risk. This new mode might be the source of an outbreak of salmonellosis in the United States.

The CDC (centers for prevention and disease control) report and 961 cases of infection with salmonella since the beginning of the year 2017. Among them, 215 have required hospitalization. The State of Virginia is the most affected.

Three-quarters of cases are linked to the hens

According to the u.s. health authorities, 74 % of the cases across the country have occurred following contact with a chicken contaminated in the course of the week preceding the symptoms.

Contrary to popular belief, the bacterium salmonella doesn’t infect only the meat or eggs ; live animals can be carriers. Most are asymptomatic, which may induce the owners of poultry in error.

No kisses

The CDC recommends the population to get to wash their hands after contact with chickens, but also to wear shoes and specific clothing to go out into the garden to pet the hens, so as not to bring the germs home.

It is also important to not let the chickens go inside the home, not to eat or drink in their enclosure, not to kiss them or snuggle up against them. Young children should not touch the hens in order to avoid any risk of contamination, say the CDC.

Salmonella is the origin of the 3.4 million infections and 681 000 deaths in the world. The bacterium causes diarrhea and fever but can lead to complications in the absence of treatment.