Posted on April 14, 2007 by Regan Zambri & Long

Salmonella Risk: Dangers of Giving Baby Animals as Easter Gifts

Easter baskets are traditional gifts for adults and children of all ages.  Along with the traditional colored eggs, chocolate bunnies and stuffed animals, many people include live baby chicks or ducklings in their Easter baskets.  Because they look so soft, cuddly and cute, many people do not realize that how harmful live baby chicks and ducklings can be for small children.  According to the Centers for for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young birds often carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be particularly dangerous  and contagious for young children. 

The CDC website answers the following questions regarding the hazards of giving small children live chicks or ducklings as Easter basket presents:

  • Why should I not buy chicks and ducklings as Easter gifts?
  • How is Salmonella transmitted?
  • How do I know if a chick or duckling has Salmonella?
  • How do I reduce the exposure of young children to Salmonella from chicks and ducklings?
  • What are the signs of Salmonella infections in humans?
  • How are Salmonella infections diagnosed and treated?
  • Are there any government restrictions concerning the sale of chicks?
According to the CDC National Center for Infectious Diseases, Salmonella is more likely to affect infants, children younger than five years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people receiving treatment for cancer. 

We encourage everyone to avoid including live baby animals in their Easter celebrations, so that this time of year can be healthy for their families.

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