Oregon Health Officials Warn Against Giving Baby Poultry as Easter Gifts

PORTLAND, Ore. – As Easter approaches, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging families to avoid giving chicks, ducklings, or other baby poultry as holiday gifts, citing health risks linked to Salmonella infections.

Health officials say that while the animals may appear cute and harmless, close contact—especially among young children—can lead to illness. Salmonella bacteria can be carried by baby poultry and transmitted through handling.

“Giving chicks and ducklings as gifts should be avoided,” said Emilio DeBess, a public health veterinarian with OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section.

DeBess noted that young children are particularly vulnerable due to their tendency to cuddle or kiss animals and neglect proper hand hygiene. “Handling live poultry can lead to Salmonella infection, which can be especially virulent in children younger than 5 because their immune systems are not fully developed,” he said.

Salmonella infections cause salmonellosis, an illness that can bring on diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever lasting several days. While many recover without treatment, the infection can become severe or even life-threatening for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Since 2020, Oregon has recorded five outbreaks of salmonellosis linked to contact with baby poultry, resulting in at least 55 reported cases. Approximately half of those cases involved children under the age of 18.

To reduce the risk of infection, OHA recommends:

• Children under 5, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems avoid handling chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any animals.
• Discouraging children from kissing or nuzzling animals.
• Avoiding eating or drinking in areas where animals are present.

More information about Salmonella and safe animal handling is available through OHA’s public health resources.http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/CommunicableDisease/Pages/FS-Baby-birds-and-Salmonella.aspx